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.
In the power station's control room, the link to the Palace had been discreetly labelled as "Carnaby Street", in case any intruders had ever been tempted to switch off the Palace lights.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
“We wanted to inform you and explain how you could resolve your issues with the United States discreetly and professionally,” Greisen wrote, according to a translation provided by prosecutors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 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
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
The waiter took the money and discreetly slipped it into a bill holder he pulled from the pocket of his apron.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
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.
