Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

discretion is the better part of valour

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.87 in modern English

Syllables: dis-cre-tion is the -bet-ter -part of -val-our
IPA

49

Scrabble Score

33

Letters

8

Syllables

17

Unique Chars

Meaning

proverb

It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave, but dangerous, speech or action.

Example Sentences

"The better part of valour is discretion; in the which better part, I have saved my life."
"At least there was no problem with Alison travelling on the 'wrong' train - discretion was the better part of valour for ticket checks [on a train full of football supporters]."

Etymology

Alteration of "The better part of valour is discretion," spoken by Falstaff in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Act V, Scene 4.

Inflected Forms

discretion is the better part of valor (alternative)

Questions

What does discretion is the better part of valour mean?: It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave, but dangerous, speech or action.
Where does discretion is the better part of valour come from?: Alteration of "The better part of valour is discretion," spoken by Falstaff in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Act V, Scene 4.

How to pronounce discretion is the better part of valour

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