Discrete means "separate," while discreet means "unobtrusive." The words share an etymology, coming from the Latin discretus (which means "to keep separate" or "to discern").

Although discreet and discrete have separate (or discrete) meanings, they are often confused. Remember that the "ee's" in discreet hide together in the middle of the word, but the "t" in discrete …

Mar 25, 2025 · Discrete means separate or distinct, referring to things that are individual or non-continuous. Discreet, on the other hand, refers to being careful or showing good judgment, especially …

Discreet most commonly means tactful, prudent, or careful to avoid revealing things that may cause embarrassment, such as when communicating sensitive information, as in a discreet message or …

May 8, 2025 · Merriam-Webster also defines discreet as “having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech.” This definition of the word can apply to conduct in …

DISCREET definition: 1. careful not to cause embarrassment or attract too much attention, especially by keeping…. Learn more.

If you are discreet, you are polite and careful in what you do or say, because you want to avoid embarrassing or offending someone. They were gossipy and not always discreet. He followed at a …

Mar 20, 2025 · The word 'discrete' is an adjective meaning distinct, separate, or individually separate and distinct. It refers to things that are distinct or unconnected with one another.

“Discreet” has the better-known meaning: inconspicuous, proper, private, or unnoticeable. If you were a person who handles problems (especially potentially embarrassing problems) without calling …

Jun 10, 2024 · "Discrete" means individually separate and distinct. "Discreet" means careful and tactful in one's actions or speech, especially to avoid causing offense or drawing attention.