Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Prudent and careful in one's speech or actions, especially to avoid causing offense or to maintain confidentiality: Being "discreet" means showing good judgment by being cautious, reserved, and not drawing unnecessary attention.
   • Unobtrusively perceptive and tactful: It can describe a subtle and sympathetic awareness of situations and people's feelings.
   • Modest and not showy: It can describe something that is tastefully restrained in appearance or manner.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She was very discreet about the client's personal affairs. (She was careful not to reveal private information.)
  • He made a few discreet inquiries before making a decision. (He made cautious, private inquiries.)
  • The jewelry was elegant and discreet. (The jewelry was tastefully modest and not flashy.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be discreet about something": to handle a matter with privacy and caution.
  • Please be discreet about this matter; it's confidential.
• "In a discreet manner": done in a way that avoids drawing attention.
  • The meeting was arranged in a discreet manner.

Variants and Related Words

• Discreetly (adverb): In a careful and prudent manner.
  • He nodded discreetly to signal his agreement.
• Discretion (noun): The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information; the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
  • She handled the sensitive issue with great discretion.
  • The use of the funds is at your discretion.

Synonyms

• Circumspect: Wary and unwilling to take risks.
• Tactful: Having or showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
• Prudent: Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
• Unobtrusive: Not conspicuous or attracting attention.

Antonyms

• Indiscreet: Having, showing, or proceeding from too great a readiness to reveal things that should remain private.
• Tactless: Having or showing a lack of adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
• Showy: Having a striking appearance or style, typically by being excessively bright, colorful, or ostentatious.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Discretion is the better part of valor: It is often wiser to be cautious than to be recklessly brave. (This phrase uses "discretion," the noun form related to "discreet.")
• At someone's discretion: According to someone's decision or judgment.
  • The final selection of candidates is at the manager's discretion.

Adjective

1. heedful of potential consequences
   • circumspect actions
   • physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use
   • a discreet investor
2. unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic
   • a discerning editor
   • a discreet silence
3. marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
   • his trusted discreet aide
   • a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace