Word
discreet
Meanings
Careful not to attract attention, especially to protect privacy or avoid embarrassment.
Showing good judgment about what should be said or done in a sensitive situation.
Definition
Discreet means careful to avoid drawing attention, especially to protect privacy or avoid embarrassment.
If someone is discreet, they act in a careful and quiet way so that other people do not notice. Discreet behavior often protects privacy and prevents gossip or embarrassment. You can be discreet about information, actions, or even your appearance and movements.
Examples
- Please be discreet about the surprise party plans.
- The doctor was discreet when discussing the test results.
- He gave her a discreet nod across the room.
- They chose a discreet meeting place away from the crowd.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse discreet (careful, private) with discrete (separate, distinct).
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.