discreet
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
careful about what you say or do so that you do not upset people or reveal secrets.
judicious in one's conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about sensitive information.
Simple“You can tell her your secret; she is very discreet and won't tell anyone.”
In context“The lawyer was known for being highly discreet, ensuring that his high-profile clients' private affairs never reached the press.”
PitfallThe data is divided into discreet categories. The data is divided into discrete categories.Do not confuse 'discreet' (careful/quiet) with 'discrete' (separate/distinct).
SynonymsAntonymsindiscreettactless - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
small or quiet in a way that does not attract attention.
intentionally unobtrusive or inconspicuous in design, placement, or appearance.
Simple“The hotel has a discreet entrance at the back for famous guests.”
In context“The security cameras were so discreetly positioned among the architectural details that most visitors never noticed their presence.”
SynonymsAntonyms
“Discreet meetings with the Taliban have also repeatedly been held by other western countries in Qatar.”
“While people can simply come up to the till and ask to use the funds, they've also come up with a more discreet method.”
From Middle English discrete, from Old French discret, from Latin discrētus, from past participle of discernere. Doublet of discrete.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.