discreet Hear it!

discreet definition

dis·creet (di skrēt′)

adjective

careful about what one says or does; prudent; esp., keeping silent or preserving confidences when necessary

Etymology: ME & OFr discret < L discretus, pp. of discernere: see discern

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

discreet Synonyms

discreet

modif.

cautious, prudent, circumspect, careful, guarded, politic, diplomatic, tactful, reserved, reticent, restrained, unostentatious, unobtrusive, modest, discerning, discriminating, observant of decencies, decorous, not rash, safe, wise, judicious, well-judged, strategic, noncommittal, sagacious, heedful, civil, sensible, chary, wary, watchful, attentive, considerate, trustworthy, uncommunicative, secretive, close-mouthed, close-lipped, tight-lipped; see also careful, judicious, thoughtful 2.

Antonyms indiscreet, rash*, ostentatious. See syn. study at careful.careful.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

discreet Usage Examples

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • keep: Keep any investigation discreet to avoid alerting the employe to the fact that they are under suspicion.

Modifies a noun

  • veil: Of the six films now released in three double-bills, a discreet veil should be drawn over the last third o. .

Modifying Another Word

  • totally: Totally discreet they can be securely attached to most seats and are held securely in place by an adjustable, elasticated strap.

Infinitive complement

  • fit: This is a great unit for £ 299, discreet to fit, easy to use.

Used with adjective complement

  • remain: Photographers are welcome but should remain discreet at all times during the service.

Preposition: with

  • nature: Diplomatic, discreet with a sympathetic nature and emotional resilience, able to cope with change and work under pressure.

Preposition: than

  • call: It's faster than e-mail, more discreet than a phone call, and best of all it's free!
discreet usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

discreet quotes

Lady, lady, should you meet One whose ways are all discreet, One who murmurs that his wife Is the lodestar of his life, One who keeps assuring you That he never was untrue, Never loved another one† Lady, lady, better run!

-Parker, Dorothy ne¤  e Rothschild

discreet quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"discreet." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/discreet>

APA Style

discreet. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/discreet

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