discreet: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/dɪˈskrit/·dih-SKREET

Discreet (adjective) means careful not to cause embarrassment or reveal private information.

What does “discreet” mean?

  1. 1

    adjectivecareful not to cause embarrassment or reveal private information

    Please be discreet; nobody else knows yet.
  2. 2

    adjectivesmall and not attracting attention

    She wore discreet gold earrings.

Discreet at a glance

Part of speech
adjective
CEFR level
C1 (advanced)
Pronunciation
/dɪˈskrit/ · dih-SKREET

How to use “discreet” correctly

Don’t confuse with “discrete” (separate and distinct), which sounds the same.

Common phrases with “discreet”

  • a discreet distance
  • discreet inquiries

Synonyms (similar meaning)

  • tactful
  • careful
  • subtle

Antonyms (opposite meaning)

  • indiscreet

Word family

  • discretion
  • discreetly
  • indiscreet

“discreet” is on these word lists

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