Meaning of discreet in English

1. Pronunciation

   /dɪˈskrit/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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1. Classifying Adjective

   discreet

   Definitions

   1. unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic

   Examples

   • « a discerning editor »
   • « a discreet silence »

   Synonyms

   • tactful
2. 2. heedful of potential consequences

   Examples

   • « circumspect actions »
   • « physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use »
   • « a discreet investor »

   Synonyms

   • prudent

3. Qualitative Adjective

   discreet

   Etymology

   Middle English: from Old French discret, from Latin discretus‘separate’, past participle of discernere‘discern’, the sense arising from late Latin discretio (see discretion). Compare with discrete

   Definitions

   1. marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

   Examples

   • « his trusted discreet aide »
   • « a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace »

   Synonyms

   • modest
   • restrained
   • unostentatious
   • prudent

   Antonyms

   • indiscreet