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.
“It’s OK then to tell your friend discreetly, ‘Hey, I’d love to celebrate but things are tough right now.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 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
Just like Newcastle's £23m move for Steur, negotiations were carried out discreetly by all parties involved.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 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
At eight o’clock that same night, I’m stumbling down Aibileen’s street as discreetly as one can carrying a fifty-pound Corona typewriter.
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
