Discreet vs Discrete | Meaning, Difference & Examples
The adjectives discrete and discreet have different meanings but are pronounced in the same way (i.e., they are homophones).
- If something is discrete, it is “separate” or “clearly different from something else.” “Discrete” is typically used in technical/scientific contexts.
- If someone is being discreet, they are being “tactful,” “diplomatic,” or “careful.” Something that is “discreet” is “unobtrusive,” or “modest.”
| Discrete in a sentence | Discreet in a sentence |
|---|---|
| The plan was divided into discrete tasks. | He said it in front of everybody, which wasn’t very discreet. |
| They are not discrete units but part of a complex system. | Her discreet handling of the situation ensured that everyone could save face. |
| Discrete data can only have certain values rather than a continuous range. | Modern hearing aids are very small and discreet. |
What does discrete mean?
The adjective discrete is typically used in technical contexts to mean “distinct” or “separate.” In mathematical contexts, it often means the opposite of “continuous.”
The study employed a discrete set of methods to investigate various aspects of its performance.
The population of a town is a discrete variable, whereas its average temperature is a continuous variable.
Indiscrete (not “indiscreet”) is the opposite of “discrete.”
A QuillBot Grammar Check can also help ensure you’re using words like “discretely” and “indiscrete” correctly.
What does discreet mean?
The adjective discreet means “tactful/diplomatic,” “careful/prudent,” or “unobtrusive/modest.”
If you are “discreet about” a matter, you are careful about when, where, or how you discuss it to maintain privacy or prevent embarrassment.
She was discreet and efficient in her management of the confidential matter.
Given the occasion, his choice of tie could have been more discreet.
You weren’t very discreet about it; the whole room heard!
The noun discretion tends to be the preferred choice in connection with secrets or private matters (e.g., “It’s a confidential matter, so your discretion is appreciated”). However, the most common use of “discretion” is to mean “the freedom to decide for yourself” (e.g., “Use your discretion to determine the best course of action”).
The noun discreetness is rarely used and tends to express the characteristic of being modest, unobtrusive, or inconspicuous (e.g., “She liked the simplicity and discreetness of the minimalist design”).
Discrete vs discreet origins
Discrete and discreet used to be two ways of spelling the same word, whether it meant “separate,” “tactful,” or “unobtrusive.”
The spelling distinction we use today was influenced by grammarians’ attempts to “Latinize” the English language, a trend that began around the 17th century. By the 18th century, the different spellings we now use had started to emerge. “Discrete” bore a closer resemblance to the Latin adjective “discrētus,” meaning “separate” or “distinct.”
Frequently asked questions about discreet vs discrete
- What is a synonym for discrete?
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Synonyms for the adjective discrete include:
- Separate
- Distinct
- Independent
- Segmented
Discrete and discreet are sometimes confused, but they have different meanings and can’t be used interchangeably. “Discreet” means “tactful,” “prudent,” or “modest.”
Use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the best synonym for “discrete” in your specific context.
- What is the difference between discrete and continuous variables?
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Discrete variables take distinct values (e.g., whole numbers), and you get them by counting (e.g., The number of cars that pass a certain point).
Continuous variables take values that can be infinitely subdivided (e.g., decimal numbers), and you get them by measuring (e.g., the weight of a loaded car).
Discrete and continuous variables are both quantitative variables.
- What is a synonym for discreet?
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Synonyms for for the adjective discreet include:
- Tactful or subtle
- Cautious, prudent, or judicious
- Unobtrusive, understated, or elegant
Discreet and discrete are sometimes confused, but they have different meanings and can’t be used interchangeably. “Discrete” means “separate” or “distinct.”
Use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the best synonym for “discreet” in your specific context.
