Nearby Words
adjective
1.
judicious in one's conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect.
2.
showing prudence and circumspection; decorous: a discreet silence.
3.
modestly unobtrusive; unostentatious: a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace.
Origin:
1325–75; Middle English discret < Anglo-French, Old French < Medieval Latin discrētus, Latin: separated (past participle of discernere; see discern), equivalent to dis- dis-1 + crē- separate, distinguish (variant stem of cernere) + -tus past participle suffix
1325–75; Middle English discret < Anglo-French, Old French < Medieval Latin discrētus, Latin: separated (past participle of discernere; see discern), equivalent to dis- dis-1 + crē- separate, distinguish (variant stem of cernere) + -tus past participle suffix
Related forms
dis·creet·ly, adverb
dis·creet·ness, noun
o·ver·dis·creet, adjective
o·ver·dis·creet·ly, adverb
o·ver·dis·creet·ness, noun
EXPANDAntonyms
1. indiscreet.
1. indiscreet.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
|
Link To discreet
:10
:09
:08
:07
:06
:05
:04
:03
:02
:01
Discreet
is an SAT word you need to know.
So is languid. Does it mean:
| the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others; the opposed to egoism |
| lacking vigor or force |
Example Sentences
- Then ask as many trustworthy and discreet people as you can to come up with appropriate ways to respond.
- The shirt fit nicely and had a discreet pocket for a key or driver's license.
- Of course, text messages are also more discreet than a phone call.
Collins
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
discreet
mid-14c., from O.Fr. discret, from L. discretus "separated, distinct," in M.L. "discerning, careful," from pp. of discernere "distinguish" (see discern). Spellings discrete and nativized discreet co-existed until after c.1600, when discreet became the common word for "careful,
EXPANDprudent," and discrete was maintained in philosophy, medicine, music and other disciplines that remembered L. and tried to stick close to it. Related: Discreetly.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
Word Dynamo By Dictionary.com
Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved.