Definition of discreet
1 : having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent; especially : capable of preserving prudent silence
2 : unpretentious, modest the warmth and discreet elegance of a civilized home — Joseph Wechsberg
3 : unobtrusive, unnoticeable followed at a discreet distance
discreetly
adverbdiscreetness
nounRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of discreet in a Sentence
For a couple who wanted a discreet bar between the study and the living room, Quogue, New York, architect Stuart Disston designed a small-scale bar that's hidden behind … doors under the stairs and takes advantage of plumbing in an adjacent powder room. —Sallie Brady, This Old House, January/February 2006
Without the knowledge of the exiled African National Congress leadership, he entered into a discreet dialogue with the South African government—which was reaching a similar conclusion. He later succeeded in convincing suspicious comrades of the need for a negotiated solution. —F. W. De Klerk, Time, 18 Apr. 2005
The New York Stock Exchange, meanwhile, has proposed a rule that would bar a stock-market analyst from talking to newspapers that fail to disclose the analyst's conflicts of interest. Even the C.E.O. of Goldman Sachs, one of Wall Street's most discreet firms, has chimed in … and has extorted his peers to restore “trust in our system.” —New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2002
Discreet disclaimers by the tourist board to the effect that “there is no evidence whatever that Prince Vlad Tepes (TSEH-pesh), or Vlad the Impaler, inhabited the castle” do nothing to discourage its notoriety as Dracula's reputed residence. Mythically, at least, this is in fact where he lived—and always will. —Erik Sandberg-Diment, New York Times, 21 June 1998
he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary
with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the party
Recent Examples of discreet from the Web
-
In a scene that epitomizes the film's discreet but charged sensuality, Michell, Eley and the two leads transform a lovely bluebell wood into a place charged with omen.
-
The White House has said such back channel communications are useful and discreet.
-
Just remember that everyone maintains a discreet simmering rage.
-
In terms of a discreet way to flirt with this dude, my advice is ridiculously simple: Talk to him.
-
Maybe your reasoning is that people, by now, understand basic tech etiquette enough that FaceTime Watch chats will take place only during discreet, non-invasive moments.
-
Text and audio are not subject to the same rules that govern images, and podcasts are more discreet and portable than porn.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discreet'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of discreet
Middle English, from Anglo-French discret, from Medieval Latin discretus, from Latin, past participle of discernere to separate, distinguish between — more at discern
First Known Use: 14th century
DISCREET Defined for English Language Learners
discreet
playDefinition of discreet for English Language Learners
-
: not likely to be seen or noticed by many people
DISCREET Defined for Kids
discreet
playDefinition of discreet for Students
: careful not to attract attention or let out private information “ … he must be discreet and say nothing about this visit of mine.” — Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee
discreetly
adverbLearn More about discreet
-
See words that rhyme with discreet Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for discreet Spanish Central: Translation of discreet Nglish: Translation of discreet for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of discreet for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up discreet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!