Discreet vs Discrete
What’s the difference between them?
Discreet
Meaning:
Showing prudence in one's speech or actions; circumspect.
Examples:
1. She had a very discreet manner, never calling attention to herself.
2. He was very discreet with his personal information, never sharing it with anyone.
3. The company promised a discreet and secure storage facility for their clients.
Discrete
Meaning:
separated; distinct; individual.
Examples:
1. The team was able to identify discrete clusters throughout the data.
2. She appreciated the discrete way he handled her personal issues.
3. The discrete nature of the project meant that she had to work in secrecy.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Discreet
1. Circumspect
2. Reticent
3. Cautious
4. Subtle
5. Subdued
1. Obtrusive
2. Flagrant
3. Audacious
4. Unsubtle
5. Blatant
Discrete
1. Separate
2. Disconnected
3. Isolated
4. Particular
5. Distinct
1. Obvious
2. Blended
3. Connected
4. Intermingled
5. Unified
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Discreet", "Discrete".
1. Discreet means careful or prudent in one's speech or actions
2. Remember that discreet is often used to describe someone who is 'careful' or 'prudent' in their actions.
3. Think of the phrase 'Discreetly done!' to help you remember the meaning of this word.
4. Discrete means separate or distinct.
5. Think of the phrase 'Discrete pieces' to help you remember the meaning of this word.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'Discreet' be used?
The word 'Discreet' is used to describe someone or something that is subtle, prudent, and unobtrusive. It is often used to refer to the way a person acts, as in being discreet in a conversation or when making a decision.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'Discrete'?
The word 'Discrete' is used to describe something that is separate, distinct, and apart from other things. It can be used to describe physical objects, such as individual components that make up a larger system, or it can be used to refer to concepts, such as separate pieces of information.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words are pronounced differently. The word 'Discreet' is pronounced with a long 'e' sound, whereas the word 'Discrete' is pronounced with a long 'a' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
The most common mistake people make with these words is confusing them with each other. Although they are spelled a bit similarly, their meanings and pronunciations are quite different. Another mistake people may make is using the word 'Discreet' to mean 'Discrete'. It is important to distinguish between the two words, as their meanings are not interchangeable.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The reporter was very ________ about the details of the story.
2. He was able to keep his emotions ________ even in the face of adversity.
3. The physicist was able to make a ________ analysis of the situation.
4. She was careful not to be too ________ in her opinion.
5. The changes were made in such a ________ manner that they went unnoticed.
6. All the data was broken down into ________ units.
1. Discreet
Explanation: The word discreet means to be tactful and respectful in speech or behavior, which is the behavior that a reporter should show when reporting on a story.
2. Discreet
Explanation: The word discreet means to be tactful and respectful in speech or behavior, which is the behavior that someone should show when keeping their emotions in check in difficult situations.
3. Discrete
Explanation: The word discrete means separate and distinct, which is necessary for making an analysis of a situation.
4. Discreet
Explanation: The word discreet means to be tactful and respectful in speech or behavior, which is the behavior that someone should show when sharing their opinion.
5. Discreet
Explanation: The word discreet means to be tactful and respectful in speech or behavior, which is the behavior that someone should show when making changes in a way that goes unnoticed.
6. Discrete
Explanation: The word discrete means separate and distinct, which is necessary for breaking data down into individual units.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.