discreet

These two words have the same pronunciation and are sometimes confused. Both are adjectives, but their meanings are quite different. Discreet is the more frequent word in general use and means "tactful," "good at keeping secrets," or "subtle and unobtrusive": I made a few discreet inquiries. Discrete is a more formal or technical word meaning "separate, unconnected, and distinct": Several discrete strands of evidence were pursued.