discreetly

[dih-skreet-lee]

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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

• overdiscreetly adverb
• quasi-discreetly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of discreetly¹

discreet ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

By the outbreak of the current war, Qatar had pumped approximately $1.8 billion into Gaza while funneling millions “discreetly” to Hamas’s leadership.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The language allowed deaf, gay people to communicate discreetly.

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At the meeting point, the employee is approached by a man - or occasionally a woman - who discreetly hands over a sealed envelope containing the money before vanishing without further interaction.

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In the letter to Ms Murray, the MPs said: "It is disgraceful that Ms Shaw has publicly refused bonuses and yet discreetly accepted large payments."

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Instead, subscribers answer questions online, correspond with medical professionals virtually and get the prescribed drugs in visually pleasing packages delivered discreetly to their homes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anxiously 
• attentively 
• conscientiously www.thesaurus.com
• correctly www.thesaurus.com
• deliberately 
• delicately 
• faithfully 
• fully 
• gingerly 
• laboriously 
• meticulously 
• precisely 
• prudently 
• rigorously 
• scrupulously 
• thoroughly 
• thoughtfully www.thesaurus.com
• warily