Discreet
/dɪˈskriːt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Discreet describes a person or action that is careful, private, and shows good judgment in what they say or do. It means not drawing attention to something sensitive or secret, often to protect privacy or avoid problems.
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⚡ See It in Action
Careful and quiet in behavior or speech to avoid trouble or attention
- •She was discreet about her plans and didn’t tell many people.
- •The manager was discreet when discussing the company’s problems.
- •Be discreet when talking about money in public places.
Showing good judgment in handling private or sensitive matters
- •A discreet person knows when to keep information private.
- •He gave a discreet answer to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "discreet" like "quiet," but with a smart and careful choice about what to say or do
- ✓Picture someone whispering gently so others don’t hear a secret
- ✓It's the feeling when you keep a friend's secret safe and don’t tell others
- ✓Sounds like "this CREEt" → imagine a secret little creature hiding quietly without making noise
- ✓Think of a spy in movies who listens carefully and speaks softly to not get caught
- ✓NOT like "loud" (which draws attention), "discreet" means avoiding attention carefully
- ✓NOT like "secret" (which is something hidden), "discreet" is the way you act to protect secrets or sensitive info
- ✓NOT like "careless" (which means not thinking), "discreet" means thoughtful and careful
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Tactful: showing sensitivity and skill in dealing with others (Use when you want to be polite and avoid hurting feelings)
- •Quiet: making little or no noise (Use when focusing on silence or low volume)
- •Cautious: careful to avoid danger or mistakes (Use when focusing on avoiding risk or harm)
- •Reserved: not openly showing feelings or thoughts (Use when describing a shy or private person)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Prefix: "dis-" (meaning apart, away, or not)
- •Root: "creet" from Latin "discretus" meaning separate, distinct, or careful
- •Etymology: From Latin "discretus," meaning separated or distinct, later used for careful or wise behavior
- •Historical development: Originally meaning separated or distinct, it evolved to mean showing good judgment by keeping things apart or private
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people or actions that are careful and private to avoid trouble or attention
💭 Reflect & Connect
•When is it important to be discreet in everyday life? Can being too discreet ever cause problems?
•How does being discreet help build trust in relationships or work?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She was discreet about ___ her new job until everything was confirmed.
2.Being discreet means you avoid ___ too much information in public.
3.Unlike loud or careless talk, discreet conversation is ___ and thoughtful.
4.He answered the question in a discreet way to avoid ___ anyone’s feelings.
5.People often need to be discreet when discussing ___ matters like money or health.
6.A discreet person knows when to speak and when to ___ silent.
7.If you are not discreet, you might accidentally ___ a secret.