Discretionarily

/dɪˈskrɛʃəˌnɛrəli/ adverb

Definition

In a manner based on or involving discretion; according to one's own judgment or authority to decide.

Etymology

From 'discretionary' (the more common form) plus the adverbial suffix '-ly,' though 'discretionally' is more standard. Both forms derive from 'discretion.'

Kelly Says

This word is so awkward that most careful writers avoid it—'discretionary' is usually used as an adjective ('discretionary spending'), and 'discreetly' handles the adverbial sense, making 'discretionarily' almost completely obsolete despite being technically correct.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.