Word
discreetly
Phoneticsdis·creet·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹitɫi/
UK/dɪskɹˈiːtli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is careful not to attract attention or cause embarrassment. You do something this way when you want to keep it private or quiet.
adv. in a manner that avoids attracting notice or causing offense, often to maintain privacy or secrecy.
Examples
“She discreetly checked her phone under the table.”
“The waiter discreetly informed the guest that their credit card had been declined to avoid making a scene.”
“Throughout the negotiations, the diplomat worked discreetly behind the scenes to ensure that both parties felt their core concerns were being addressed without public scrutiny.”
Examples
simple
“She discreetly checked her phone under the table.”
contextual
“The waiter discreetly informed the guest that their credit card had been declined to avoid making a scene.”
complex
“Throughout the negotiations, the diplomat worked discreetly behind the scenes to ensure that both parties felt their core concerns were being addressed without public scrutiny.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.
Pitfall
he acted discretely
he acted discreetly
Learners often confuse 'discreetly' (carefully/quietly) with 'discretely' (separately/individually).
Real-World Examples
“Talks about talks seem the most likely public outcome, though what happens behind the scenes may be pursued more discreetly.” “I did it discreetly, careful not to disturb the family sleeping nearby.” Etymology
From discreet + -ly.
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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