Definition

Adverb: - In a careful and prudent manner, especially to avoid causing offense or attracting attention: Acting with tact, subtlety, and wise self-restraint to maintain confidentiality or prevent embarrassment.

Usage

The adverb "discreetly" describes how an action is performed. It is used to indicate that something is done in a quiet, careful, or unobtrusive way to avoid being noticed or to prevent causing trouble. - It typically modifies verbs. - It often relates to sensitive situations involving privacy, secrets, diplomacy, or tact.

Examples

• The manager discreetly informed the employee of the error to avoid public embarrassment.
• She discreetly checked her watch during the long meeting.
• They handled the confidential matter discreetly and professionally.
• He discreetly slipped the note into her hand without anyone seeing.

Advanced Usage

• "To act discreetly": To behave in a way that is intentionally unobtrusive and careful.
  • During the investigation, the officers were instructed to act discreetly.
• "To inquire/discreetly": To ask questions in a subtle, non-direct manner to gather information without arousing suspicion.
  • The reference context example: "I asked him to try to find out discreetly what lay behind this."

Variants and Related Words

• Discreet (adjective): Showing prudence, circumspection, or tact in one's behavior or speech.
  • He was very discreet about the company's future plans.
• Discretion (noun): The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.
  • She used her own discretion in handling the client's complaint.

Synonyms

• Prudently: With care and thought for the future.
• Tactfully: With sensitivity and skill in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
• Unobtrusively: In a way that is not conspicuous or attracting attention.
• Cautiously: In a careful way to avoid potential problems or dangers.

Antonyms

• Indiscreetly: In a way that lacks judgment, revealing things that should be private.
• Blatantly: In an obvious and unashamed manner.
• Ostentatiously: In a way that is designed to attract notice and impress others.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• With discretion: This phrase is synonymous with "discreetly" and is often used in formal contexts.
  • The funds were distributed with great discretion.
• To keep a discreet distance: To stay far enough away from a situation or person to avoid involvement or notice.
  • The bodyguard kept a discreet distance from the celebrity.

Adverb

1. with discretion; prudently and with wise self-restraint
   • I sent for the sergeant of the platoon both men were in and asked him to try to find out discreetly what lay behind this