Word
discrete
Phoneticsdis·crete, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹit/
UK/dɪskɹˈiːt/
Definitions
01separate and distinct
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. describing things that are separate and individual, not connected to each other.
adj. individually separate and distinct; not forming a continuous whole.
“The project is broken down into several discrete steps that we can complete one by one.”
“The researcher argued that the data should be viewed as a series of discrete events rather than a single, uninterrupted process.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
Pitfall
He was very discrete about his private life.
He was very discreet about his private life.
Do not confuse 'discrete' (separate) with 'discreet' (careful/secretive).
Antonyms
02mathematical values
C1 · Advanced Mathematics Technical
adj. describing numbers or sets where each value is separate, like whole numbers.
adj. consisting of distinct values from a finite or countable set; non-continuous in a mathematical sense.
“A roll of a die results in a discrete value between one and six.”
“In discrete mathematics, we study structures that are fundamentally separated rather than those that vary smoothly over an interval.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'discrete variables' or 'discrete data'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03electronic components
C2 · Proficiency Computing Technical
adj. made of separate parts like individual transistors rather than a single chip.
adj. composed of separate electronic components such as individual resistors or diodes, as opposed to integrated circuits.
“The old radio was built using discrete components rather than modern microchips.”
“High-end audio enthusiasts often prefer amplifiers made with discrete circuitry, believing it offers superior sound quality compared to integrated chips.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “discrete” in context.
Adjective
01. discrete capacity
“The system processes data in a discrete capacity, ensuring each unit is handled independently.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The system is set up to provide short, discrete episodes of care.” “Light delivers energy to the material in discrete, or quantized, packets known as photons.” Etymology
From Old French discret, from Latin discrētus, past participle of discernō (“divide”), from dis- + cernō (“sift”). Doublet of discreet.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/discrete