discrete

[dih-skreet]

adjective

1. apart or detached from others; separate; distinct.

   six discrete parts.

   Synonyms: unconnected, individual, different

2. consisting of or characterized by distinct or individual parts; discontinuous.

3. Mathematics.

   1. (of a topology or topological space) having the property that every subset is an open set.

   2. defined only for an isolated set of points.

      a discrete variable.

   3. using only arithmetic and algebra; not involving calculus.

      discrete methods.

discrete

/ dɪsˈkriːt /

adjective

1. separate or distinct in form or concept

2. consisting of distinct or separate parts

3. statistics

   1. (of a variable) having consecutive values that are not infinitesimally close, so that its analysis requires summation rather than integration

   2. (of a distribution) relating to a discrete variable Compare continuous

Confusables Note

See discreet

Other Word Forms

• discreteness noun
• discretely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of discrete¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin discrētus separated; discreet

Word History and Origins

Origin of discrete¹

C14: from Latin discrētus separated, set apart; see _discreet

Example Sentences

The organization designed the signal to be a widely recognized but discrete way for a survivor to reach out for help over video or in person.

From Los Angeles Times

In truth, how you feel about these movies as discrete entities or a whole depends on what appeals to you about the “Alien” universe.

From Salon

America’s democracy crisis is not just one discrete thing.

From Salon

The result — which feels surprisingly grown-in even though the museum won’t open until next year — is a sinuous, eclectic landscape that unfolds in discrete vignettes, all promoting exploration and distinct experience.

From Los Angeles Times

Our California delegation in Washington should find a receptive audience in Congress for this discrete reform, because getting fire-gutted communities back on their feet isn’t just an act of mercy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disconnected 
• distinct 
• various 

When To Use

What’s the difference between discrete and discreet?

Discrete means separate or distinct, as in discrete concepts or discrete parts. 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.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 discrete and discreet 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 discrete and discreet.