discreet

  • 11discreet — di|screet [dıˈskri:t] adj [Date: 1300 1400; : French; Origin: discret, from Latin discretus, past participle of discernere; DISCERN] 1.) careful about what you say or do, so that you do not offend, upset, or embarrass people or tell secrets ≠… …

    Dictionary of contemporary English

  • 12discreet — dis|creet [ dı skrit ] adjective * 1. ) careful not to say anything that is secret or that could upset someone: She s very discreet and loyal. 2. ) unlikely to attract attention: They followed at a discreet distance. 3. ) small and not very… …

    Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • 13discreet — adjective 1 done or said in a careful way so that you do not offend, upset, or embarrass people: It wasn t very discreet of you to ring me up at the office. | That morning I began making discreet inquiries. 2 careful not to talk about things that …

    Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • 14discreet */ — UK [dɪˈskriːt] / US [dɪˈskrɪt] adjective 1) careful not to say anything that is secret or that could upset someone She s very discreet and loyal. 2) unlikely to attract attention They followed at a discreet distance. 3) small and not very… …

    English dictionary

  • 15discreet — adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo French discret, from Medieval Latin discretus, from Latin, past participle of discernere to separate, distinguish between more at discern Date: 14th century 1. having or showing discernment …

    New Collegiate Dictionary

  • 16discreet — discreetly, adv. discreetness, n. /di skreet /, adj. 1. judicious in one s conduct or speech, esp. with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect. 2. showing prudence and… …

    Universalium

  • 17discreet — adjective /dɪˈskriːt/ a) Respectful of privacy or secrecy; quiet; diplomatic. With a discreet gesture, she reminded him to mind his manners. b) Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; …

    Wiktionary

  • 18discreet — [14] Discreet and discrete [14] are ultimately the same word. Both come from Latin discrētus, the past participle of discernere ‘distinguish’ (source of English discern). Discrete was borrowed direct from Latin, and retains its original meaning… …

    The Hutchinson dictionary of word origins

  • 19discreet — [dɪ skri:t] adjective (discreeter, discreetest) careful and prudent, especially so as to avoid giving offence or attracting attention. Derivatives discreetly adverb discreetness noun Origin ME: from OFr. discret, from L. discretus separate , past …

    English new terms dictionary

  • 20discreet — adjective 1) discreet inquiries Syn: careful, circumspect, cautious, wary, chary, guarded; tactful, diplomatic, prudent, judicious, strategic, politic, delicate, sensitive, kid glove 2) discreet ligh …

    Thesaurus of popular words