discreetly
Americanadverb
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in a way that is careful about something of a personal or delicate nature; circumspectly.
These protocols allow patients to have private conversations with caregivers in which their questions can be answered discreetly.
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in a way that is not conspicuous or obvious; unobtrusively.
The building is historic, as explained on the understated bronze plaque displayed discreetly in the entryway.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of discreetly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just like Newcastle's £23m move for Steur, negotiations were carried out discreetly by all parties involved.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
But there are other ways you can leave relatives money discreetly, through a revocable trust that becomes irrevocable upon your death.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
For a moment, it’s not clear if this is part of the show or a medical incident until Chowdhury, discreetly occupying a seat in the audience, asserts himself as the director.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026
“We very discreetly make PA part of it and use his ‘aura and access,’ ” Stern wrote, referring to Prince Andrew.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 17, 2026
Between them they decided that it would be best to disturb her discreetly rather than wake her suddenly.
From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
