different between providence vs discretion

English

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman providence, Middle French providence, and their source, Latin pr?videntia (“providence, foresight”), from the present participle of pr?vid?re (“to provide”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?p??v?d?ns/

Noun

providence (countable and uncountable, plural providences)

1. (now rare) Preparation for the future; good governance, foresight. [from 14th c.]
2. The careful governance and guidance of God (or another deity, nature etc.). [from 14th c.]
3. A manifestation of divine care or direction; an instance of divine intervention. [from 16th c.]
   • 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, p. 91:

     The idea was that a complete list of fully documented providences should be compiled as a cooperative venture which would cross denominational barriers.

4. Specifically, the prudent care and management of resources; thriftiness, frugality. [from 17th c.]

   His providence in saving for his old age is exemplary.

Related terms

• provident

Translations

See also

• divine

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /p??.vi.d??s/

Noun

providence f (plural providences)

1. providence

Old French

Noun

providence f (nominative singular providence)

1. providence (manifestation of divine care or direction)

English

Etymology

From Middle English discrecioun, from Old French discretion, from Late Latin discr?ti?, from Latin discerno.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d??sk????n/

Noun

discretion (usually uncountable, plural discretions)

1. The quality of being discreet or circumspect.

   Bob showed great discretion despite his knowledge of the affair.

2. The ability to make wise choices or decisions.
3. The freedom to make one's own judgements.

   I leave that to your discretion.

Antonyms

• indiscretion

Derived terms

• discretionary
• discretion is the better part of valour
• surrender at discretion

Related terms

Translations

Anagrams

• cretinoids, directions, doctrinise

Old French

Alternative forms

• discrecion

Noun

discretion f (oblique plural discretions, nominative singular discretion, nominative plural discretions)

1. discretion (ability to make one's own judgments)