discreet

[dih-skreet]

adjective

1. judicious in one's conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect.

   Antonyms: indiscreet

2. showing prudence and circumspection; decorous.

   a discreet silence.

3. modestly unobtrusive; unostentatious.

   a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace.

discreet

/ dɪˈskriːt /

adjective

1. careful to avoid social embarrassment or distress, esp by keeping confidences secret; tactful

2. unobtrusive

Confusables Note

See discrete

Other Word Forms

• discreetness noun
• discreetly adverb
• overdiscreet adjective
• overdiscreetness noun
• quasi-discreet adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discreet¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English discret, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Medieval Latin discrētus, Latin: “separated,” past participle of discernere “to separate,” from dis- dis- ¹ + cernere “to decide, separate, sift”; discern

Word History and Origins

Origin of discreet¹

C14: from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discrētus, from Latin discernere to _discern

Synonym Study

See careful.

Example Sentences

"We'll have those discreet conversations with individuals just to say 'if you need five shirts, come and take them'."

From BBC

It has long been known for the discreet way it caters to the movie stars and moguls who slide across its channeled red booths.

From Los Angeles Times

Lizzie Cox, of the Forest of Dean Salvation Army, said the hub was "discreet" and parents would not be judged.

From BBC

If that was accurate, why would United be making discreet inquiries on Baleba?

From BBC

The fund aims to “provide discreet, flexible aid through school-based staff who know their communities best.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attentive 
• careful 
• considerate 
• intelligent 
• noncommittal 
• prudent 
• reasonable 
• restrained 
• tactful 
• thoughtful 
• watchful 

When To Use

What’s the difference between discreet and discrete?

Discreet most commonly means tactful, prudent, or careful to avoid revealing things that may cause embarrassment, such as when communicating sensitive information, as in a discreet message or You can tell her, but be discreet about it. Discrete means separate or distinct, as in discrete concepts or discrete parts.Less commonly, discreet can also mean unobtrusive—a modest necklace may be described as discreet. In all cases, the word discreet is used in situations in which an effort is made to avoid calling attention to someone or something. When you’re being discreet, you’re showing discretion.Discrete, on the other hand, is typically used in technical, non-personal contexts. It has more specific meanings in the context of math and statistics.Here’s a fun way to remember the difference: in discreet, the two e’s are right next to each other—the one e looks like it’s discreetly whispering something in the other’s ear. In discrete, the two e’s are kept separate by the t in the middle.Here’s an example of discreet and discrete used correctly in a sentence.Example: He mistakenly thought the two parts were discrete, but I told him that they are in fact connected—in a discreet way, of course.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between discreet and discrete.