Discreet — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /di-ˈskrēt/ dis·creet

Meaning & Definition of Discreet

Discreet (adjective)

  1. having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech, prudent; especially, cautious and restrained (as in revealing information)
  2. unobtrusive, unnoticeable
  3. unpretentious, modest

Discreet (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech

    "he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary"

    similar: intelligent, judgmatic, judicious, prudent
    related: cautious, chary, circumspect, cozy, forehanded, foresighted, foresightful, forethoughtful, discerning, discriminating, sage, sane, sapient, senseful, sensible, wise, canny, provident, astute, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd
    opposite: imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious
    near: careless, heedless, incautious, rash, improvident, shortsighted, foolish, unwise

  2. not readily seen or noticed

    "with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the party"

    similar: inconspicuous, invisible, unnoticeable, unobtrusive
    related: unnoticed, unremarked, unseen, impalpable, imperceptible, inappreciable, indistinguishable, insensible, faint, indistinct, obscure, concealed, hidden
    opposite: conspicuous, noticeable, visible
    near: arresting, eye-catching, showy, striking, flashy, loud, noisy, apparent, clear, discernible, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, plain, prominent, unmistakable, blatant, flagrant, glaring, gross, screaming

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Discreet

The most common words with a similar meaning to Discreet:

intelligent, judgmatic, judicious, prudent, inconspicuous, invisible, unnoticeable, unobtrusive

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Discreet

Words with the opposite meaning of Discreet:

imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious, conspicuous, noticeable, visible

Related Words for Discreet

cautious, chary, circumspect, cozy, forehanded, foresighted, foresightful, forethoughtful, discerning, discriminating, sage, sane, sapient, senseful, sensible, wise, canny, provident, astute, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd, unnoticed, unremarked, unseen, impalpable, imperceptible, inappreciable, indistinguishable, insensible

Near Antonyms of Discreet

careless, heedless, incautious, rash, improvident, shortsighted, foolish, unwise, arresting, eye-catching, showy, striking, flashy, loud, noisy, apparent, clear, discernible, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, plain, prominent, unmistakable, blatant, flagrant, glaring, gross

Word Forms of Discreet

Derived words: discreetly (adverb), discreetness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Discreet

Middle English discrete, discret, discreet "morally discerning, prudent, separate, distinct," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French discret, borrowed from Medieval Latin discrētus "separate, distinct, showing discernment, prudent," going back to Latin, "separated, differentiated," from past participle of discernere "to separate, distinguish" discern

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Discreet

What does "Discreet" mean?

"Discreet" means having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech, prudent; especially, cautious and restrained (as in revealing information). As an adjective, it is defined as: having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech, prudent; especially, cautious and restrained (as in revealing information). It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Discreet"?

Other words for "Discreet" include intelligent, judgmatic, judicious, prudent, inconspicuous, invisible, unnoticeable and unobtrusive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Discreet" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Discreet"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Discreet". Common alternatives include intelligent, judgmatic, judicious, prudent, inconspicuous, invisible, unnoticeable and unobtrusive.

What is the opposite of "Discreet"?

Antonyms of "Discreet" include imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious, conspicuous, noticeable and visible. Near antonyms include careless, heedless, incautious and rash.

How do you use "Discreet" in a sentence?

Examples of "Discreet" in a sentence: "he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary"; "with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the party".

Is "Discreet" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Discreet" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Discreet"?

"Discreet" is pronounced /di-ˈskrēt/ and divided into syllables as dis·creet.

What is the origin of the word "Discreet"?

"Discreet" comes from Middle English discrete, discret, discreet "morally discerning, prudent, separate, distinct," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French discret, borrowed from Medieval Latin discrētus "separate, distinct, showing discernment, prudent," going back to Latin, "separated, differentiated," from past participle of discernere "to separate, distinguish" discern. First known use: 14th century.