discreet
1Discreet — Dis*creet , a. [Compar. {Discreeter}; superl. {Discreetest}.] [F. discret, L. discretus separated (whence the meaning reserved, prudent), p. p. of discernere. See {Discern}, and cf. {Discrete}.] 1. Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding …
2discreet — mid 14c., morally discerning, prudent, circumspect, from O.Fr. discret discreet, sensible, intelligent, wise, from L. discretus separated, distinct, in M.L. discerning, careful, pp. of discernere distinguish (see DISCERN (Cf. discern)). Meaning… …
3discreet — discreet, discrete have the same origin in the Latin verb discernere meaning ‘to sift’, but their meanings are very different. Discreet means ‘circumspect in speech or action’, can be used of people or things, and is common as an adverb… …
4discreet — ► ADJECTIVE (discreeter, discreetest) ▪ careful not to attract attention or give offence. DERIVATIVES discreetly adverb. USAGE The words discrete and discreet are often confused. Discrete means ‘separate’ (a discrete unit) …
5discreet — I adjective astute, calculating, careful, cautious, cautus, chary, circumspect, consideratus, deliberate, diplomatic, discerning, discretional, discretionary, discriminate, discriminating, discriminative, distinguishing, forethoughtful, guarded,… …
6discreet — prudent, forethoughtful, foresighted, provident (see under PRUDENCE) Analogous words: *cautious, circumspect, wary: politic, diplomatic (see SUAVE) Antonyms: indiscreet Contrasted words: rash, reckless, foolhardy (see ADVENTUROUS): foolish,… …
7discreet — [adj] cautious, sensible alert, attentive, awake, cagey, calculating, careful, chary, circumspect, civil, conservative, considerate, controlled, diplomatic, discerning, discriminating, gingerly, guarded, having foresight, heedful, intelligent,… …
8discreet — [di skrēt′] adj. [ME & OFr discret < L discretus, pp. of discernere: see DISCERN] careful about what one says or does; prudent; esp., keeping silent or preserving confidences when necessary SYN. CAREFUL discreetly adv. discreetness n …
9discreet — [[t]dɪskri͟ːt[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED If you are discreet, you are polite and careful in what you do or say, because you want to avoid embarrassing or offending someone. They were gossipy and not always discreet... He followed at a discreet distance.… …
10discreet — 01. He was not very [discreet] about his affair with his secretary, so it s not surprising that his wife found out. 02. He made some [discreet] enquiries about the company before accepting the position. 03. The detective followed the suspect at a …
11discreet — di|screet [dıˈskri:t] adj [Date: 1300 1400; : French; Origin: discret, from Latin discretus, past participle of discernere; DISCERN] 1.) careful about what you say or do, so that you do not offend, upset, or embarrass people or tell secrets ≠… …
12discreet — dis|creet [ dı skrit ] adjective * 1. ) careful not to say anything that is secret or that could upset someone: She s very discreet and loyal. 2. ) unlikely to attract attention: They followed at a discreet distance. 3. ) small and not very… …
13discreet — adjective 1 done or said in a careful way so that you do not offend, upset, or embarrass people: It wasn t very discreet of you to ring me up at the office. | That morning I began making discreet inquiries. 2 careful not to talk about things that …
14discreet */ — UK [dɪˈskriːt] / US [dɪˈskrɪt] adjective 1) careful not to say anything that is secret or that could upset someone She s very discreet and loyal. 2) unlikely to attract attention They followed at a discreet distance. 3) small and not very… …
15discreet — adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo French discret, from Medieval Latin discretus, from Latin, past participle of discernere to separate, distinguish between more at discern Date: 14th century 1. having or showing discernment …
16discreet — discreetly, adv. discreetness, n. /di skreet /, adj. 1. judicious in one s conduct or speech, esp. with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect. 2. showing prudence and… …
17discreet — adjective /dɪˈskriːt/ a) Respectful of privacy or secrecy; quiet; diplomatic. With a discreet gesture, she reminded him to mind his manners. b) Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; …
18discreet — [14] Discreet and discrete [14] are ultimately the same word. Both come from Latin discrētus, the past participle of discernere ‘distinguish’ (source of English discern). Discrete was borrowed direct from Latin, and retains its original meaning… …
19discreet — [dɪ skri:t] adjective (discreeter, discreetest) careful and prudent, especially so as to avoid giving offence or attracting attention. Derivatives discreetly adverb discreetness noun Origin ME: from OFr. discret, from L. discretus separate , past …
20discreet — adjective 1) discreet inquiries Syn: careful, circumspect, cautious, wary, chary, guarded; tactful, diplomatic, prudent, judicious, strategic, politic, delicate, sensitive, kid glove 2) discreet ligh …
