discreet
Americanadjective
-
judicious in one's conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect.
- Antonyms:
- indiscreet
-
showing prudence and circumspection; decorous.
a discreet silence.
-
modestly unobtrusive; unostentatious.
a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace.
adjective
-
careful to avoid social embarrassment or distress, esp by keeping confidences secret; tactful
-
unobtrusive
Usage
What’s the difference between discreet and discrete? Discreet most commonly means tactful, prudent, or careful to avoid revealing things that may cause embarrassment, such as when communicating sensitive information, as in a discreet message or You can tell her, but be discreet about it. Discrete means separate or distinct, as in discrete concepts or discrete parts. Less commonly, discreet can also mean unobtrusive—a modest necklace may be described as discreet. In all cases, the word discreet is used in situations in which an effort is made to avoid calling attention to someone or something. When you’re being discreet, you’re showing discretion. Discrete, on the other hand, is typically used in technical, non-personal contexts. It has more specific meanings in the context of math and statistics. Here’s a fun way to remember the difference: in discreet, the two e’s are right next to each other—the one e looks like it’s discreetly whispering something in the other’s ear. In discrete, the two e’s are kept separate by the t in the middle. Here’s an example of discreet and discrete used correctly in a sentence. Example: He mistakenly thought the two parts were discrete, but I told him that they are in fact connected—in a discreet way, of course. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between discreet and discrete.
Commonly Confused
See discrete
Synonym Usage
See careful.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of discreet
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English discret, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Medieval Latin discrētus, Latin: “separated,” past participle of discernere “to separate,” from dis- dis- 1 + cernere “to decide, separate, sift”; see discern
Explanation
Discreet describes someone or something that is appropriately quiet, prudent, and restrained. If you are wearing a discreet gray suit, it is unlikely that anyone at that business meeting will notice you. Often people use discreet not only to indicate modesty or carefulness, but also to show a sort of secretiveness along the lines of “You're going to keep this a secret, right?” If no one in your family knows that you like to dress up as a bear, but then your cousin finds out, you may ask him to please be discreet.
Vocabulary lists containing discreet
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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The Odyssey
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"
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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.
“Formal entertaining spaces include a gracious Living Room, dining room, private study, chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry, family room, and expansive outdoor terraces, while discreet service quarters ensure effortless day-to-day living,” reads the listing.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026
Appointed in 2025 to succeed Virginie Viard, Karl Lagerfeld's discreet successor, Blazy landed one of the biggest jobs in fashion aged just 40.
From Barron's ● Oct. 4, 2026
The campaign has played out in backrooms, private hotel suites and discreet dinner tables in Midtown Manhattan.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
"Only more capable diplomacy through quiet and confidential engagement can deliver the change," says a former Afghan official who's been involved in discreet discussions with Taliban officials.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
No nose or other facial jewelry, we learn; earrings must be small and discreet, not dangling; no blue jeans except on Friday, and then you have to pay $1 for the privilege of wearing them.
From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich
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.
