Discrete
/dɪˈskriːt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Discrete describes something that is separate and not joined with other things. It means parts or pieces that stand alone and do not mix or connect directly. For example, discrete objects are individual and can be counted one by one.
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See It in Action
Separate and individual parts or units
- •The data is divided into discrete categories for easier analysis.
- •The teacher gave us discrete tasks to complete one by one.
- •The stars in the sky appear as discrete points of light.
Distinct and not continuous
- •The sound came in discrete bursts rather than a steady noise.
- •The machine produces discrete signals that can be measured.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "discrete" like "separate," but more formal and used in specific situations like math or science
- ✓Picture a group of small boxes, each standing alone with space between them—not touching each other
- ✓It’s like feeling calm when your tasks are discrete—you can do them one at a time without confusion
- ✓Sounds like "this CREEt" → imagine a secret path ("creet") that goes alone, not connected to others
- ✓Think of puzzle pieces that are not connected yet, each piece is discrete until you put them together
- ✓NOT like "continuous" (things joined without breaks), discrete means clear breaks or spaces between parts
- ✓NOT like "mixed" or "combined," discrete means separate and distinct parts
- ✓NOT like "connected," discrete things do not touch or join directly
Try Other Words
- •Distinct: clearly different and easy to see or notice (Use when you want to emphasize clear difference)
- •Individual: single, not part of a group (Use when focusing on one unit or person)
- •Separate: not joined or touching (Use in everyday language for things apart)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "dis-" (apart) + "cretus" (separated, distinguished)
- •Etymology: comes from Latin "discretus," meaning separated or distinct
- •Historical development: used in English since the 1600s to mean separate or distinct parts
- •Modern usage: common in math, science, and everyday language to describe things that are not joined or continuous
- •Key insight: emphasizes clear separation and individuality of parts
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of situations where it is important for things to be discrete rather than connected?
•How does understanding the idea of discrete help you organize tasks or information better?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher gave us discrete ___ so we could focus on one at a time without confusion.
2.In math, discrete numbers are ___ and countable, unlike continuous numbers.
3.The stars look like discrete ___ in the night sky because they are far apart.
4.When data is discrete, it means the pieces do not ___ or mix together.
5.The machine sends discrete ___, not a steady flow of information.
6.Unlike continuous sounds, discrete sounds have clear ___ between them.
7.To solve the problem, you must treat each discrete ___ as a separate part.