Other forms: discreetest; discreeter
Discreet describes someone or something that is appropriately quiet, prudent, and restrained. If you are wearing a discreet gray suit, it is unlikely that anyone at that business meeting will notice you.
Often people use discreet not only to indicate modesty or carefulness, but also to show a sort of secretiveness along the lines of “You’re going to keep this a secret, right?” If no one in your family knows that you like to dress up as a bear, but then your cousin finds out, you may ask him to please be discreet.
Definitions of discreet
-
adjective
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
“his trusted
discreet aide”“a
discreet, finely wrought gold necklace” -
adjective
not obtrusive or undesirably noticeable
-
adjective
unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic
“a
discreet silence”-
synonyms:
discerning
-
tactful
having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
-
tactful
-
adjective
heedful of potential consequences
“a
discreet investor”-
synonyms:
circumspect
-
prudent
careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
-
prudent
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘discreet’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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Commonly confused words
discreet / discrete
Discreet means on the down low, under the radar, careful, but discrete means individual or detached. They come from the same ultimate source, the Latin discrētus, for separated or distinct, but discreet has taken its own advice and quietly gone its separate way.
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1
: having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent
especially
: capable of preserving prudent silence
Synonyms
Example Sentences
For a couple who wanted a discreet bar between the study and the living room, Quogue, New York, architect Stuart Disston designed a small-scale bar that’s hidden behind … doors under the stairs and takes advantage of plumbing in an adjacent powder room.
—
Sallie Brady, This Old House, January/February 2006
Without the knowledge of the exiled African National Congress leadership, he entered into a discreet dialogue with the South African government—which was reaching a similar conclusion. He later succeeded in convincing suspicious comrades of the need for a negotiated solution.
—F. W. De Klerk, Time, 18 Apr. 2005
The New York Stock Exchange, meanwhile, has proposed a rule that would bar a stock-market analyst from talking to newspapers that fail to disclose the analyst’s conflicts of interest. Even the C.E.O. of Goldman Sachs, one of Wall Street’s most discreet firms, has chimed in … and has extorted his peers to restore «trust in our system.»
—New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2002
Discreet disclaimers by the tourist board to the effect that «there is no evidence whatever that Prince Vlad Tepes (TSEH-pesh), or Vlad the Impaler, inhabited the castle» do nothing to discourage its notoriety as Dracula’s reputed residence. Mythically, at least, this is in fact where he lived—and always will.
—Erik Sandberg-Diment, New York Times, 21 June 1998
he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary
with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the party
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Recent Examples on the Web
But the sisters were discreet.
—Han Ong, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
This is not discreet.
—Dallas News, 19 Oct. 2022
Be discreet, express your condolences, and do your best to read the room.
—Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 18 Mar. 2023
Be discreet, express your condolences, and do your best to read the room.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2023
Be discreet, express your condolences, and do your best to read the room.
—Amy Dickinson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2023
Be discreet, express your condolences, and do your best to read the room.
—Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 18 Mar. 2023
Shipping is always free and the packaging is discreet.
—Alicia Geigel, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2023
Capable of running purely on electrons, the S580e will be even more discreet.
—Brendan Mcaleer, Car and Driver, 10 Feb. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘discreet.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English discrete, discret, discreet «morally discerning, prudent, separate, distinct,» borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French discret, borrowed from Medieval Latin discrētus «separate, distinct, showing discernment, prudent,» going back to Latin, «separated, differentiated,» from past participle of discernere «to separate, distinguish» — more at discern
Note:
See note at discrete.
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of discreet was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near discreet
Cite this Entry
“Discreet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discreet. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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3 Apr 2023
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- Discreet Vs. Discrete
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- British
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
[ dih-skreet ]
/ dɪˈskrit /
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
adjective
judicious in one’s conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect.
showing prudence and circumspection; decorous: a discreet silence.
modestly unobtrusive; unostentatious: a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace.
QUIZ
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Origin of discreet
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”), equivalent to dis- “apart, away” + crē- “separate, distinguish” (variant stem of cernere ) + -tus past participle suffix; see discern, dis-1
synonym study for discreet
historical usage of discreet
Discreet, meaning “judicious, prudent, modest,” comes partly from Middle French discret “prudent, discerning,” used in Anglo-French in the sense “wise person.” The Latin source was discrētus, past participle of the verb discernere “to separate, distinguish, mark off, show differences between.” In Late Latin discrētus also acquired the sense “prudent, wise,” possibly arising from association with the noun discrētiō, which shows a similar semantic development: physical separation to discernment to capacity to discern.
Discrete, “apart or detached from others; separate; distinct,” was originally a spelling doublet of discreet, sharing meanings and both deriving from the same Latin source. The spelling discrete is closer in form to Latin discrētus and is probably an attempt to differentiate discreet from discrete.
The Middle English Dictionary has two senses at the headword discrēt(e): the sense “wise, morally discerning, prudent, circumspect” has 29 citations; the sense “separate, distinct” has four (in angelology, astronomy, and mathematics).
It wasn’t until the late 16th century that discrete became restricted to its present meanings, leaving the spelling discreet to predominate in its own current uses.
OTHER WORDS FROM discreet
dis·creet·ly, adverbdis·creet·ness, nouno·ver·dis·creet, adjectiveo·ver·dis·creet·ness, noun
qua·si-dis·creet, adjective
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH discreet
discreet , discrete
Words nearby discreet
discovery procedure, disc plough, discreate, discredit, discreditable, discreet, discreetly, discrepancies, discrepancy, discrepant, discrete
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
DISCREET VS. DISCRETE
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.
Quiz yourself on discreet vs. discrete!
Should discreet or discrete be used in the following sentence?
In my mind, these two topics are entirely _____—they don’t overlap at all.
Words related to discreet
attentive, careful, considerate, intelligent, noncommittal, prudent, reasonable, restrained, tactful, thoughtful, watchful, alert, awake, cagey, calculating, chary, circumspect, civil, conservative, controlled
How to use discreet in a sentence
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The installation, accompanied by its own discreet soundtrack, retains the right angles of the space it defines, yet its hard lines are gently blurred with every ripple of air.
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Having people who are trained to spot instances like when people are feeling presenteeism pressure and then be discreet and respectful about how they broach the subject is invaluable.
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In private one-on-one meetings with senators, Barrett has been discreet on the question of precedent, at least according to one Senate Democrat who has spoken with her ahead of the confirmation hearing.
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Plus the convenient and discreet wall-plug design saves space.
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Her focus is on Australia, where she hopes to help undo a more “discreet” form of racism by mending an opaque education system with the help of the Opals.
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His timing was cautious, and the bar was a discreet 50-foot walk from the hotel.
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Welcome to The Angel, one of the pay-by-the-hour lodgings offering a discreet haven for trysts and visits with dominatrixes.
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Though Billings was discreet about his sexual orientation, it was well known throughout Washington.
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The duchess herself said her grandmother had been extremely discreet about what her job during the war entailed.
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Step forward the men in white coats, those discreet cosmetic surgeons, the witch doctors of our age.
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Of course they would stop for the wedding; but meantime she must be very discreet; she must not intrude too much.
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«Oh, they were quite safe in my case, not being a mangeur de cœurs,» replied the discreet young nobleman.
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But a knock at the door interrupted them; the discreet Capt entered, bearing a telegram upon a salver.
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As she walked along the chill promenade she looked with discreet curiosity at every woman she met, to see her condition.
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Spunyarn, who was to accompany his friend, at a discreet distance was laughing and chatting merrily with the younger girl.
British Dictionary definitions for discreet
adjective
careful to avoid social embarrassment or distress, esp by keeping confidences secret; tactful
unobtrusive
Derived forms of discreet
discreetly, adverbdiscreetness, noun
Word Origin for discreet
C14: from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discrētus, from Latin discernere to discern
undefined discreet
Avoid confusion with discrete
Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Even the most articulate, well-versed person can use a refresher on the definition of words they know and use. We get so comfortable with familiar words that defining them can be a challenge because words take on the inferred meaning we’ve given them over time. Learning the definition, origins, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of a word can further our understanding and help us use it more effectively.
What Is the Meaning of the Word Discreet?
According to the dictionary, discreet (us /dɪˈskrit / uk /dɪˈskriːt) is an adjective with a few definitions. To use discreet effectively, it is important to learn each of them.
We can use discreet to describe judiciousness in a person’s conduct or speech. It typically indicates that a person can remain silent about a private topic or a topic of a delicate nature.
We can also use discreet to describe showing prudence, circumspection, or discretion. Prudence is another word for cautiousness.
As an adjective, discreet can describe something modestly unobtrusive or unostentatious. Classic pieces of clothing such as a black dress are often discreet pieces.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th edition, the adjective discreet is the root of the adverb discreetly and the noun discreetness.
The word discreet is often confused for its homophone discrete. Discrete is also an adjective, but discrete is used to describe something individually separate or distinct.
These two words have similar etymologies. To better understand the word discreet, we can look at its origins.
What Is the Origin of Discreet?
Discreet as we use it today comes from Middle English, and it relates to the English discretion. Discretion has a few meanings, including individual choice or the latitude of choice within certain legal bounds.
The word discretion is an Anglo-French word from the Old French discret. Discret was born from the Medieval Latin discrētus, which means “separate.” Discrētus was a past participle of discernere.
The Latin discernere means discern, which is where we derive that word today. We can examine all the parts of discrētus to understand its meaning:
- dis-: meaning “apart, away”
- crē-: meaning “separate, distinguish” and is a variant stem of cernere
- -tus: the past participle suffix
All of this can trace its early roots to the Late Latin discretio, which had the meaning as the definitions of the words like discreet, discrete, discern, and discretion.
When Can We Use the Word Discreet?
Discreet is often used to describe when people act in a way to avoid social embarrassment or distress. For example, if someone chose to take the stairs instead of the elevator because they didn’t want to be seen because they were wearing mismatched shoes at work, they would be described as discreet.
People are also referred to as being discreet if they act in a way that protects their modesty or privacy. For example, lovers often meet in discreet locations to enjoy being together completely. Also, a person’s clothing might be discreet if it was designed to protect their modesty, such as a high-collared top or longer bottom pieces.
A discreet investor will be someone who is unwilling to take monetary risks. The investor may feel that a risky investment is not the best means of seeing an assured return on their investment.
People who can be trusted not to disclose information that can lead to social embarrassment or impose on a person’s modesty can be described as discreet, too. For example, a politician needs a discreet aide in their staff that you can trust with inner circle information without fear that they will go to the press.
What Are Synonyms of Discreet?
Synonyms help us learn a word’s definition by examining words with the same meaning that may be more familiar to us. Here are synonyms for the word discreet:
- Attentive
- Intelligent
- Careful
- Noncommittal
- Considerate
- Prudent
- Reasonable
- Watchful
- Restrained
- Thoughtful
- Tactful
- Calculating
- Alert
What Are Antonyms of Discreet?
Antonyms are words that have the opposite meaning of a word. They help us explore what a definition does not mean, which can further our understanding of the word itself. Here are a few antonyms for the word discreet:
- Careless
- Foolish
- Heedless
- Inconsiderate
- Idiotic
- Indiscreet
- Negligent
- Rash
- Stupid
- Thoughtless
- Undiscerning
What Are Examples of How To Use the Word Discreet?
Example sentences are a way to explore using a word in context. By learning how to use the word correctly, you can build on your understanding and gain confidence to use the word yourself when necessary. Here are a few example sentences that use the word discreet:
- She was so discreet that they took little notice of her.
- We made a discreet exit through the back door of the auditorium.
- Let’s plan to meet in a discreet place to make the exchange.
- With wise self-restraint, he remained discreet due to the delicate nature of the situation.
- We have made several discreet inquiries about the gold necklace.
- You should always be discreet when it comes to a student’s behavior which is why you should not make even vague posts on Facebook or Twitter about them.
The Last Word
Discreet is a great word to use when you want to be descriptive. Hopefully, now you’ll know when to use the word discreet and what it means when you hear or read it. You even know a bit about its background.
Sources:
- DISCREET | Cambridge English Dictionary
- Discreet | AH dictionary
- Discreet Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do’s and don’ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
- discreet
- [dɪs’kriːt]
1) Общая лексика: благоразумный, не болтливый, неболтливый, осмотрительный, осторожный, рассудительный, сдержанный, скромный, умеющий молчать, незаметный, небольшой, неяркий, неброский
2) Религия: целомудренный
3) Дипломатический термин: тактичный
Универсальный англо-русский словарь.
.
2011.
Смотреть что такое «discreet» в других словарях:
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Discreet — Dis*creet , a. [Compar. {Discreeter}; superl. {Discreetest}.] [F. discret, L. discretus separated (whence the meaning reserved, prudent), p. p. of discernere. See {Discern}, and cf. {Discrete}.] 1. Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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discreet — mid 14c., morally discerning, prudent, circumspect, from O.Fr. discret discreet, sensible, intelligent, wise, from L. discretus separated, distinct, in M.L. discerning, careful, pp. of discernere distinguish (see DISCERN (Cf. discern)). Meaning… … Etymology dictionary
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discreet — discreet, discrete have the same origin in the Latin verb discernere meaning ‘to sift’, but their meanings are very different. Discreet means ‘circumspect in speech or action’, can be used of people or things, and is common as an adverb… … Modern English usage
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discreet — ► ADJECTIVE (discreeter, discreetest) ▪ careful not to attract attention or give offence. DERIVATIVES discreetly adverb. USAGE The words discrete and discreet are often confused. Discrete means ‘separate’ (a discrete unit) … English terms dictionary
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discreet — I adjective astute, calculating, careful, cautious, cautus, chary, circumspect, consideratus, deliberate, diplomatic, discerning, discretional, discretionary, discriminate, discriminating, discriminative, distinguishing, forethoughtful, guarded,… … Law dictionary
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discreet — prudent, forethoughtful, foresighted, provident (see under PRUDENCE) Analogous words: *cautious, circumspect, wary: politic, diplomatic (see SUAVE) Antonyms: indiscreet Contrasted words: rash, reckless, foolhardy (see ADVENTUROUS): foolish,… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
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discreet — [adj] cautious, sensible alert, attentive, awake, cagey, calculating, careful, chary, circumspect, civil, conservative, considerate, controlled, diplomatic, discerning, discriminating, gingerly, guarded, having foresight, heedful, intelligent,… … New thesaurus
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discreet — [di skrēt′] adj. [ME & OFr discret < L discretus, pp. of discernere: see DISCERN] careful about what one says or does; prudent; esp., keeping silent or preserving confidences when necessary SYN. CAREFUL discreetly adv. discreetness n … English World dictionary
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discreet — [[t]dɪskri͟ːt[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED If you are discreet, you are polite and careful in what you do or say, because you want to avoid embarrassing or offending someone. They were gossipy and not always discreet… He followed at a discreet distance.… … English dictionary
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discreet — 01. He was not very [discreet] about his affair with his secretary, so it s not surprising that his wife found out. 02. He made some [discreet] enquiries about the company before accepting the position. 03. The detective followed the suspect at a … Grammatical examples in English
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discreet — di|screet [dıˈskri:t] adj [Date: 1300 1400; : French; Origin: discret, from Latin discretus, past participle of discernere; DISCERN] 1.) careful about what you say or do, so that you do not offend, upset, or embarrass people or tell secrets ≠… … Dictionary of contemporary English