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.
Discreetly ask a flight attendant if you can move to a different part of the plane.
From Seattle Times • May 22, 2023
Discreetly, I rescue the signs from the garbage.
From New York Times • Dec. 17, 2019
Discreetly advise my boss that I can see his personal messages?
From Slate • Nov. 12, 2019
Discreetly occupying the shifting center of the production is Tina Benko, who plays Desdemona along with other characters from "Othello."
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2015
Discreetly, she added, “I have definite reasons for making these statements and shall be glad to make a full explanation verbally, if you so desire.”
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
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.
