What does DISCREET mean?

Definitions for DISCREET
dɪˈskritdis·creet

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word DISCREET.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. discreetadjective

    marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

    "his trusted discreet aide"; "a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace"

  2. discerning, discreetadjective

    unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic

    "a discerning editor"; "a discreet silence"

  3. circumspect, discreetadjective

    heedful of potential consequences

    "circumspect actions"; "physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use"; "a discreet investor"

Wiktionary

  1. discreetadjective

    Respectful of privacy or secrecy; quiet; diplomatic.

  2. discreetadjective

    Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.

  3. Etymology: From discret, from discretus, from past participle of discernere.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. DISCREETadjective

    Prudent; circumspect; cautious; sober; not rash; not precipitant; not careless; not hardily adventurous.

    Etymology: discret, French.

    Honest, discreet, quiet, and godly learned men, will not be withdrawn by you. John Whitgift.

    Less fearful than discreet,
    You love the fundamental part of state,
    More than you doubt the charge of’t. William Shakespeare, Coriol.

    To elder years to be discreet and grave,
    Then to old age maturity she gave. John Denham.

    It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation, and gives measures to society. Joseph Addison, Spectator, №. 225.

    Dear youth, by fortune favour’d, but by Love
    Alas! not favour’d less, be still as now
    Discreet. James Thomson, Summer, l. 1355.

ChatGPT

  1. discreet

    Discreet generally refers to behavior that is careful, prudent, or circumspect, especially in regards to respecting privacy or maintaining secrecy about something. It can also imply subtlety, unobtrusiveness, or a low-key approach. It can further refer to something that is separate or distinct from others.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Discreet

    possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends; prudent; sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious

  2. Discreet

    differing; distinct

  3. Etymology: [F. discret, L. discretus separated (whence the meaning reserved, prudent), p. p. of discernere. See Discern, and cf. Discrete.]

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Discreet

    dis-krēt′, adj. having discernment: wary: circumspect: prudent.—adv. Discreetly.—n. Discreet′ness. [O. Fr. discret—L. discrētusdiscernĕre, to separate, to perceive.]

Suggested Resources

  1. Discreet

    Discreet vs. Discrete -- In this Grammar.com article you will learn the differences between the words Discreet and Discrete.

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

Anagrams for DISCREET »

  1. discrete

  2. desertic

  3. creedist

How to pronounce DISCREET?

How to say DISCREET in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of DISCREET in Chaldean Numerology is: 9

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of DISCREET in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of DISCREET in a Sentence

  1. Gilles Yabi:

    Ghazouani is someone who is very discreet. It could well happen that the change is not merely cosmetic.

  2. Lee Rainie:

    We find that a portion of the population is adjusting some activity at least in some simple ways like changing their privacy settings and being a bit more discreet in the things they say and search for.

  3. Anthony Fauci:

    There was one very discreet stretch of the protein on the envelope that is really different than the other flaviviruses, that is like a big red flag.

  4. Greg Valliere:

    Companies realize that if they are too outspoken, that will inevitably piss off some of their customers. Why do that ? therefore, they have to be pretty discreet.

  5. William Shakespeare, Romeo, in Romeo and Juliet, act 1, sc. 1.:

    Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs, Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes, Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers’ tears. What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall and a preserving sweet.

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Translations for DISCREET

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"DISCREET." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/DISCREET>.

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