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.
When her will was read after her death last December, it divided the estate between the Foundation and her son, who lives discreetly in Oslo.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
Some have inquired discreetly and been told what everyone has been told: the team is not for sale.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026
Contoret said schools and local charities were best placed to identify families who could benefit from the scheme and ensure gifts were distributed discreetly.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 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
His hair was parted low on the right side so that some twenty or thirty yellow hairs could discreetly cover the nakedness of his head.
From "Sula" by Toni Morrison
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
