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DISCREET

Pronunciation (US):

Dictionary entry overview: What does discreet mean?

• DISCREET (adjective)
The adjective DISCREET has 3 senses:

1. marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
2. unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic
3. heedful of potential consequences

Familiarity information: DISCREET used as an adjective is uncommon.

Dictionary entry details

• DISCREET (adjective)

Sense 1

discreet ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

Context examples:

his trusted discreet aide / a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace

Similar:

modest; restrained; unostentatious (free from ostentation or pretension)

Antonym:

indiscreet (lacking discretion; injudicious)

Sense 2

discreet ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic

Synonyms:

discerning; discreet

Context examples:

a discerning editor / a discreet silence

Similar:

tactful (having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others)

Sense 3

discreet ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Heedful of potential consequences

Synonyms:

circumspect; discreet

Context examples:

circumspect actions / physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use / a discreet investor

Similar:

prudent (careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment)

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DISCREET: related words searches

» tactful: pronunciation in phonetic transcription
» restrained definition
» What does indiscreet mean?
» Definition of prudent
» modest: pronunciation in phonetic transcription

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