discreet — careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage; unobtrusive
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage; unobtrusive
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈskriːt/
Example Sentences
- He was discreet about his celebrity crush and never posted about it on social media.
- The spy made discreet contact with his handler at the coffee shop.
- She gave him a discreet nudge when he started snoring during the meeting.
discreet
ADJECTIVE[/dɪˈskriːt/]
careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage; unobtrusive
The waiter was discreet when returning the lost wallet to the guest.
The journalist remained discreet while quietly photographing the document during the meeting. (DISCREET = careful and unobtrusive)
The two friends kept their discreet conversation private and agreed not to repeat it.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle French discret, derived from Latin discretus, meaning 'separated' or 'distinct,' which comes from the verb discernere (to separate, distinguish). The sense evolved to mean 'having good judgment' and eventually 'circumspect' or 'careful in speech.'
Breakdown
dis- (apart) + cernere (to separate/distinguish) = discretus (separated/distinguished) → discreet (showing careful judgment)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He was discreet about his celebrity crush and never posted about it on social media.”
“The spy made discreet contact with his handler at the coffee shop.”
“She gave him a discreet nudge when he started snoring during the meeting.”
“The restaurant offers discreet private dining rooms for business meetings.”
📚Related Words
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