discreet
di-SKREET/dɪˈskɹiːt/
Often confused with discrete
- 1Careful to keep private things private and to act quietly so no one is embarrassed.
Please be discreet and don't tell anyone about the surprise party.
Once the others had left, she asked a discreet question about his health.
Similartactful, circumspect, diplomatic, prudent, careful
Oppositeindiscreet, tactless
Note
- 2Quiet and not easy to notice, so it doesn't catch people's eye or upset anyone.
She wore small, discreet earrings to the job interview.
The phone has a discreet button on the side for turning off the sound.
Similarunobtrusive, inconspicuous, subtle, low-key
Oppositeconspicuous, obtrusive, blatant, obvious
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Latin discrētus, a form of the verb discernere. It is the same word in origin as discrete.