# discrete

/dɪsˈkɹit/ (US) · /dɪskɹˈiːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/discrete
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. separate and distinct

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

describing things that are separate and individual, not connected to each other.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. mathematical values

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describing numbers or sets where each value is separate, like whole numbers.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. electronic components

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

made of separate parts like individual transistors rather than a single chip.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The data points are discrete and easy to count.
- The teacher separated the students into discrete groups for the project.
- In mathematics, a discrete variable can only take specific values, unlike a continuous variable which can take any value within a range.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.