Word
discreet
Phoneticsdis·creet, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹit/
UK/dɪskɹˈiːt/
Definitions
01careful with secrets
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. careful about what you say or do so that you do not upset people or reveal secrets.
adj. judicious in one's conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about sensitive information.
“You can tell her your secret; she is very discreet and won't tell anyone.”
“The lawyer was known for being highly discreet, ensuring that his high-profile clients' private affairs never reached the press.”
Pitfall
The data is divided into discreet categories.
The data is divided into discrete categories.
Do not confuse 'discreet' (careful/quiet) with 'discrete' (separate/distinct).
Synonyms
Antonyms
02not noticeable
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. small or quiet in a way that does not attract attention.
adj. intentionally unobtrusive or inconspicuous in design, placement, or appearance.
“The hotel has a discreet entrance at the back for famous guests.”
“The security cameras were so discreetly positioned among the architectural details that most visitors never noticed their presence.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/discreet