discreet definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

dis·creet [ di skrt ]

adjective

Definition:

1. tactful: careful to avoid embarrassing or upsetting others

2. good at keeping secrets: careful not to speak about anything that should be secret or confidential

3. subtle and unobtrusive: subtle and circumspect, ensuring that no undue attention is attracted

wearing discreet makeup

4. modest: modest, and not ostentatious or flashy

[14th century. Via French< Latin discretus "distinct," past participle of discernere "distinguish" (see discern)]

dis·creet·ness noun

Word Usage


	discreet or discrete? 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.