Sound-alike words

Discreet vs. Discrete

Discreet means careful and tactful, not drawing attention or giving away secrets. Discrete means separate and distinct. A discreet friend keeps your news private; a course can be split into discrete units.

Word	Part of speech	Meaning
discreet	adjective	careful about what you say or do, so as not to embarrass anyone or reveal private things
discrete	adjective	separate and distinct from other things of the same kind

Discreet

adjective: careful about what you say or do, so as not to embarrass anyone or reveal private things

Please be discreet; the party is a surprise.
Grace made a discreet exit before the speeches began.

Discrete

adjective: separate and distinct from other things of the same kind

The project has three discrete stages, each with its own deadline.
Count data, such as the number of students in a class, is discrete.

How to remember the difference

In discrete, the t splits the two e's apart, just as discrete parts are separate. In discreet, the e's sit side by side, quietly keeping a secret.

Good to know

The two words are pronounced the same. The noun for discreet is discretion, as in use your discretion. Discrete is common in math, science and technology, where it describes separate, countable values.

Spot the mistake

Hana asked the doctor to be ~~discrete~~ discreet about her test results.
Correct: Hana asked the doctor to be discreet about her test results.

Check yourself

Pick the word that fits each sentence.

1. The data falls into five groups that do not overlap.

2. He gave me a nod so no one else would notice.