discreet vs discrete

discreet vs discrete
  Discreet is an adjective.
  It means to be careful or modest, not to cause embarrassment or attract too much attention, especially by keeping something secret.
  For example: To work for the royal family you have to be very discreet.
  See it in action.
  Discrete is an adjective.
  It means something is distinct and separate or has a clear independent shape or form.
  For example: She painted using strong colours, discrete shapes, and rhythmic patterns.
  See it in action.

English dictionary of common mistakes and confusing words. 2014.

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  • discreet vs discrete —   Discreet is an adjective.   It means to be careful or modest, not to cause embarrassment or attract too much attention, especially by keeping something secret.   For example: To work for the royal family you have to be very discreet.   See it… …   English dictionary of common mistakes and confusing words

  • discreet, discrete — These words, pronounced alike, have entirely different meanings. To be discreet is to be prudent, cautious, careful, trustworthy, circumspect: Never one to talk much, she kept a discreet silence. The late President Truman often referred to George …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • discreet — [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

  • discreet — [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… …   Word origins

  • Discrete — in science is the opposite of continuous: something that is separate; distinct; individual. This article is about the possible uses of the word discrete . For a definition of the word discreet , see the Wiktionary entry discreet. Discrete may… …   Wikipedia

  • DiscReet Records — was a company founded by Frank Zappa and his then business partner/manager Herb Cohen. It was created in 1973 when their previous companies Bizarre Records and Straight Records were discontinued. The name of the label was a pun derived from disc… …   Wikipedia

  • Discrete signal — Discrete sampled signal Digital signal (Discrete here …   Wikipedia

  • discreet — discreet, discrete have the same origin in the Latin verb discernere meaning ‘to sift’, but their meanings are very different. Discreet means ‘circumspect in speech or action’, can be used of people or things, and is common as an adverb… …   Modern English usage

  • discreet — ► ADJECTIVE (discreeter, discreetest) ▪ careful not to attract attention or give offence. DERIVATIVES discreetly adverb. USAGE The words discrete and discreet are often confused. Discrete means ‘separate’ (a discrete unit) …   English terms dictionary

  • discrete — discreet, discrete have the same origin in the Latin verb discernere meaning ‘to sift’, but their meanings are very different. Discreet means ‘circumspect in speech or action’, can be used of people or things, and is common as an adverb… …   Modern English usage

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