discreet
discreet — adjective
1. Acting in a way that avoids upsetting others or letting private information beco
Acting in a way that avoids upsetting others or letting private information become widely known.
Layla was discreet about the office restructuring and told no one outside the management team.
collocation: discreet about [topic]
The nurse asked in a discreet whisper so that other patients would not hear.
adjective before noun: discreet whisper
Femi handed the report to his supervisor with a discreet nod and left the room.
A discreet word from the host saved the guest from an awkward chat at dinner.
- discreet about
- discreet with
- keep discreet
- stay discreet
- tactful
Focuses on not offending others, while discreet adds the idea of keeping secrets.
- diplomatic
More formal; emphasises skill in handling sensitive situations.
- careful
Broader; discreet is more specific about secrecy and avoiding embarrassment.
- indiscreet
The direct opposite — revealing things that should stay private.
- tactless
Offensive or insensitive, often without meaning to be.
Grammar Patterns
be discreet about [topic]
discreet + noun
keep something discreet
Usage Note
Often used with 'about' to introduce the topic being kept private: 'discreet about her plans'.
Common Mistakes
2. Showing the ability to make sensible, well-considered decisions about what to sa
Showing the ability to make sensible, well-considered decisions about what to say or do in social or professional situations.
Élise was discreet in her reply to the difficult question at the board meeting.
collocation: discreet in [action]
A discreet investor studies every detail before putting money into a new business.
adjective before noun: discreet investor
Vivek made a discreet choice to wait for data rather than act on a rumour.
Aylin gave a discreet reply that addressed the concern without creating conflict in the team.
- discreet in
- discreet choice
- discreet handling
- discreet reply
Grammar Patterns
be discreet in [action/speech]
discreet + noun (choice, handling, reply)
Usage Note
This sense overlaps with 'prudent' and 'judicious', but discreet emphasises the social and interpersonal aspects of good judgment — knowing what is appropriate to say or do around others.
Common Mistakes
3. Designed or placed in a way that does not draw attention and is easy to go unnot
Designed or placed in a way that does not draw attention and is easy to go unnoticed.
A discreet sign outside the café simply read 'Coffee' in small silver letters.
adjective before noun: discreet sign
The security cameras were discreet and hidden inside the smoke detectors in the hallway.
Ava wore a discreet grey suit that did not attract attention at the formal ceremony.
The garden path was lit by discreet lights placed low along the stone border.
collocation: discreet lights
- discreet sign
- discreet lighting
- discreet camera
- discreet design
- unobtrusive
Nearly identical; discreet is slightly more common for human behaviour, unobtrusive for objects.
- inconspicuous
Emphasises the quality of being hard to notice.
- subtle
Broader; discreet implies a deliberate intention to avoid notice, while subtle can be unintentional.
- obtrusive
Unpleasantly noticeable; the direct opposite of discreet in this sense.
- conspicuous
Easily seen or attracting attention.
Grammar Patterns
discreet + noun
be discreet
remain discreet
Usage Note
This sense applies mainly to objects, designs, and physical features rather than people. It describes things that are intentionally subtle or low-key.