Discreet or Discrete?

Posted by: Josef Essberger
Two adjectives, one sound, two meanings

These two words sound exactly the same but have different meanings.

Discreet is an adjective, meaning careful or reserved in one’s speech or actions, often to avoid offending someone or to gain an advantage:

  • He is very discreet.
  • I will make some discreet enquiries for you.
  • He was discreet about his friend’s surprise party.

Discrete is an adjective meaning separate, in distinct parts:

  • There are five discrete categories.
  • The units in digital recordings are discrete.
  • The teacher explained the discrete steps needed to solve the problem.

Posted by Josef Essberger April 2008
Josef Essberger, founder EnglishClub Contributor: Josef Essberger, founder of EnglishClub. Originally from London, England, Josef is the author of several books for learners of English including English Prepositions List and Learn English in 7.

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