discreet

adj.

1. Marked by, exercising, or showing prudence and wise self-restraint in speech and behavior; circumspect.
2. Free from ostentation or pretension; modest.

[Middle English, from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discrētus, from Latin, past participle of discernere, to separate, discern. See discern.]

discreetly dis·creet'ly adv.
discreetness dis·creet'ness n.

adjective

1. Showing sensitivity and skill in dealing with others: delicate, diplomatic, politic, sensitive, tactful. See ability/inability.
2. Kept within sensible limits: conservative, moderate, reasonable, restrained, temperate. See plain/fancy, restraint/unrestraint.

adj

Definition: cautious, sensible
Antonyms: careless, foolish, incautious, indiscreet, rash, reckless, thoughtless, uncareful, undiscerning

---

IN BRIEF: To be prudent.

The woman was discreet in expressing her opinions about her son's marriage.

Tutor's tip: It would not be "discreet" (to show tact or reserve) to try to join "discrete" (consisting of unconnected or distinct parts) and competitive departments.

Dansk (Danish)
adj. - diskret, taktfuld

Nederlands (Dutch)
discreet, bescheiden

Français (French)
adj. - discret, sobre, plein de tact

Deutsch (German)
adj. - diskret, taktvoll, umsichtig

Ελληνική (Greek)
adj. - διακριτικός, που δείχνει τακτ, συνετός, νουνεχής

Italiano (Italian)
discreto

Português (Portuguese)
adj. - discreto

Русский (Russian)
осмотрительный, благоразумный

Español (Spanish)
adj. - discreto, circunspecto

Svenska (Swedish)
adj. - taktfull, försiktig

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
小心的, 朴素的, 慎重的

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
adj. - 小心的, 樸素的, 慎重的

한국어 (Korean)
adj. - 사리 분별 있는, (언어 등이) 조심스러운

日本語 (Japanese)
adj. - 分別のある, 慎重な

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(صفه) كتوم, حكيم, حذر, عاقل‏

עברית (Hebrew)
adj. - ‮זהיר, מוצנע, טקטי, דיסקרטי‬

If you are unable to view some languages clearly, click here.

To select your translation preferences click here.