discreetly
Americanadverb
-
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.
He explains that, months before the attack, Cuban and US officials were discreetly exploring a possible normalisation of relations, in anticipation of a potential second term for Bill Clinton.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
In my 30 years’ experience in markets—less discreetly focused on oil markets than some of the others here—that has been a dangerous tactic.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
Security officials dressed in Barbour jackets and earpieces discreetly corralled the crowd.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
Mojica even shares flirtatious moments onscreen while interviewing Noé Margarito Zaragoza, a dashing and stoic ranchero who lives discreetly as a gay man.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026
There, in an entryway lit by a single sconce, they find a plaque nailed discreetly into the facade of the building bearing the restaurant’s name, Antonia.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
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.
