"I'd appreciate a little DISCRETION"

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Kevin X

#418345 Fri, 14 Sep 07 04:22 AM

Hi,
According to dictionaries, the word "discretion" can mean either:
1. the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment OR
2. knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress

What exactly does the following sentence mean?
"I'd appreciate a little discretion as opposed to a surprise office visit."

1. I'd be grateful if I had discretion on my schedule rather than disruption by such a surprise visit. OR
2. I'd be grateful if you had shown a little more discretion rather than paying me such a surprise visit.

Thanks!

Kevin X

Joined on Thu, Jun 21 2007

New Member (20)

Kevin

CalifJim

#418367 Fri, 14 Sep 07 04:50 AM

I'd appreciate a little discretion as opposed to a surprise office visit.

This involves the second meaning regarding the avoidance of embarrassment. Perhaps the speaker feels uncomfortable when others visit him or her unannounced.

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (16,964)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

Kevin X

#418369 Fri, 14 Sep 07 05:03 AM

Thanks Jim!

How should I use the word to refer to the first meaning?
(I mean in this scenario.)

Kevin X