indiscretion
無分別
解説 Definition
分別がなく、慎重さに欠ける言動。判断力が不足して不適切なことをしてしまう行為を指します。
An indiscretion is a small act or comment that shows poor judgment. It is often used for social mistakes, careless behavior, or saying something that should have stayed private. The word usually suggests a fault that is embarrassing rather than extremely serious.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
discretion を知っていると覚えやすい語。discretion は「慎重な判断・分別」で、with discretion のように使う。その頭に否定の in- が付いた indiscretion は、その慎重さが外れてしまった状態。単なる mistake よりも、秘密を漏らす、場に合わない発言をするなど「言わなくてよかった・しなければよかった」という軽率さに寄る。a youthful indiscretion や political indiscretion の形で見かけやすいので、後から評判を傷つける不用意な言動として覚えるとよい。
Start from discretion, which is careful judgment and self-control. Add the negative in-, and you get the idea of judgment failing at the wrong moment. It is often used for careless words or actions that later hurt someone's reputation, such as a youthful indiscretion.
例文
His youthful indiscretion led to regrettable mistakes.
彼の若い頃の無分別は遺憾な過ちにつながった。
The politician's indiscretion in an interview damaged his career.
その政治家のインタビューでの無分別な発言が彼のキャリアを傷つけた。
We all have moments of indiscretion that we wish to forget.
誰もが忘れたい無分別の瞬間を持っています。
indiscretion の類義語・関連語
indiscretion の語源・成り立ち Etymology
indiscretion は in-「否定」+ discretion「分別」。discretion はラテン語 discernere「見分ける」にさかのぼり、dis-「離して」+ cernere「選ぶ」が核。discern や discrete と同根なので、「見分けを欠いた軽率さ」が腑に落ちる。
Indiscretion is formed from in- "not" and discretion. Discretion goes back to Latin discernere, from dis- "apart" and cernere "to separate" or "judge," so the root idea is careful distinguishing. Indiscretion therefore grew from the sense of failing to judge or separate things wisely. Related words include discern and discrete.
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