discreet

adjective

dis·​creet di-ˈskrēt 

1

: having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent

especially : capable of preserving prudent silence

2

: unpretentious, modest

the warmth and discreet elegance of a civilized home

—Joseph Wechsberg

3

: unobtrusive, unnoticeable

followed at a discreet distance

discreetly adverb

discreetness noun

Synonyms

• intelligent
• judgmatic
• judgmatical
• judicious
• prudent

Examples of discreet in a Sentence

For a couple who wanted a discreet bar between the study and the living room, Quogue, New York, architect Stuart Disston designed a small-scale bar that's hidden behind … doors under the stairs and takes advantage of plumbing in an adjacent powder room. —Sallie Brady, This Old House, January/February 2006

Without the knowledge of the exiled African National Congress leadership, he entered into a discreet dialogue with the South African government—which was reaching a similar conclusion. He later succeeded in convincing suspicious comrades of the need for a negotiated solution. —F. W. De Klerk, Time, 18 Apr. 2005

The New York Stock Exchange, meanwhile, has proposed a rule that would bar a stock-market analyst from talking to newspapers that fail to disclose the analyst's conflicts of interest. Even the C.E.O. of Goldman Sachs, one of Wall Street's most discreet firms, has chimed in … and has extorted his peers to restore "trust in our system." —New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2002

Discreet disclaimers by the tourist board to the effect that "there is no evidence whatever that Prince Vlad Tepes (TSEH-pesh), or Vlad the Impaler, inhabited the castle" do nothing to discourage its notoriety as Dracula's reputed residence. Mythically, at least, this is in fact where he lived—and always will. —Erik Sandberg-Diment, New York Times, 21 June 1998

he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary

with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the party

Recent Examples on the Web

These semi-autobiographical works offer a glimpse into Smith’s experience navigating identity, dating in Los Angeles as a bisexual man, hair loss and the discreet use of hair powders and man units, which the 20-something chronicles on his Instagram and TikTok accounts as well. —Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

Unlike the classic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, with its chronograph subdials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, the Speedmaster Pilot has what’s known as a two-register layout, with subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock and a discreet date window at 6 o’clock. —Chris Hall, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024

Perfect as a nanny cam, pet monitor, or for home security, this discreet device can be controlled through an app on your phone. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024

However, through a discreet back door and up some steps, there’s a view of the marketplace only a few tourists have seen. —Meghan Pryce, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discrete, discret, discreet "morally discerning, prudent, separate, distinct," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French discret, borrowed from Medieval Latin discrētus "separate, distinct, showing discernment, prudent," going back to Latin, "separated, differentiated," from past participle of discernere "to separate, distinguish" — more at discern

Note: See note at discrete.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

discreet

adjective

dis·​creet dis-ˈkrēt 

: having or showing good judgment especially in conduct or speech

discreetly adverb

discreetness noun