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.
-
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.
Some overseas Chinese media outlets read it as the first lady discreetly steadying her husband, and said censors had cut the audio of her urging him to “slow down.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
In Northern Ireland, it is generally legal to film someone even discreetly in a public place, as people in public do not usually have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration had been startled when Trudeau’s government discreetly asked British intelligence chiefs to start discussing how they might band together if the U.S. left Five Eyes, the U.S.-led intelligence-sharing alliance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 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
Martin said he would take one for the team, and so Moss watched him walk away with a nearly full bottle of urine to dump somewhere discreetly.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
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