discreet
1Discreet — Dis*creet , a. [Compar. {Discreeter}; superl. {Discreetest}.] [F. discret, L. discretus separated (whence the meaning reserved, prudent), p. p. of discernere. See {Discern}, and cf. {Discrete}.] 1. Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding …
2discreet — mid 14c., morally discerning, prudent, circumspect, from O.Fr. discret discreet, sensible, intelligent, wise, from L. discretus separated, distinct, in M.L. discerning, careful, pp. of discernere distinguish (see DISCERN (Cf. discern)). Meaning… …
3discreet — discreet, discrete have the same origin in the Latin verb discernere meaning ‘to sift’, but their meanings are very different. Discreet means ‘circumspect in speech or action’, can be used of people or things, and is common as an adverb… …
4discreet — ► ADJECTIVE (discreeter, discreetest) ▪ careful not to attract attention or give offence. DERIVATIVES discreetly adverb. USAGE The words discrete and discreet are often confused. Discrete means ‘separate’ (a discrete unit) …
5discreet — I adjective astute, calculating, careful, cautious, cautus, chary, circumspect, consideratus, deliberate, diplomatic, discerning, discretional, discretionary, discriminate, discriminating, discriminative, distinguishing, forethoughtful, guarded,… …
6discreet — prudent, forethoughtful, foresighted, provident (see under PRUDENCE) Analogous words: *cautious, circumspect, wary: politic, diplomatic (see SUAVE) Antonyms: indiscreet Contrasted words: rash, reckless, foolhardy (see ADVENTUROUS): foolish,… …
7discreet — [adj] cautious, sensible alert, attentive, awake, cagey, calculating, careful, chary, circumspect, civil, conservative, considerate, controlled, diplomatic, discerning, discriminating, gingerly, guarded, having foresight, heedful, intelligent,… …
8discreet — [di skrēt′] adj. [ME & OFr discret < L discretus, pp. of discernere: see DISCERN] careful about what one says or does; prudent; esp., keeping silent or preserving confidences when necessary SYN. CAREFUL discreetly adv. discreetness n …
9discreet — [[t]dɪskri͟ːt[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED If you are discreet, you are polite and careful in what you do or say, because you want to avoid embarrassing or offending someone. They were gossipy and not always discreet... He followed at a discreet distance.… …
10discreet — 01. He was not very [discreet] about his affair with his secretary, so it s not surprising that his wife found out. 02. He made some [discreet] enquiries about the company before accepting the position. 03. The detective followed the suspect at a …
