discreet

From Middle English discrete, from Old French discret, from Latin discrētus, from past participle of discernēre. Doublet of discrete.

• IPA^(key): /dɪˈskɹiːt/

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• Rhymes: -iːt
• Homophone: discrete (separable into parts)

discreet (comparative more discreet, superlative most discreet)

1. Respectful of privacy or secrecy; exercising caution in order to avoid causing embarrassment; quiet; diplomatic.

   With a discreet gesture, she reminded him to mind his manners.

   John just doesn't understand that laughing at Mary all day is not very discreet.

2. Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.

• Although cognate and identical in the Middle English period, the term has become distinct from discrete.

• discreetly
• discretion

• desertic, discrete

From Middle Dutch discreet, from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discrētus, from discernō.

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discreet (comparative discreter, superlative discreetst)

1. discreet
2. discrete