Discreetly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /di-ˈskrēt/ dis·creet

Meaning & Definition of Discreetly

Discreetly (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

Discreetly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in wisely, sensibly

    similar: judiciously, prudently, sensibly, wisely, excusably, fairly, justifiably, validly, chivalrously, decorously, deferentially, gallantly, politely, respectfully, solicitously, pleasantly, compassionately, humanely, kindheartedly, sweetly, sympathetically, considerately, courteously, graciously, kindly, nicely, reasonably, thoughtfully, well
    opposite: discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly, contemptuously, disdainfully, disrespectfully, impolitely, rudely, scornfully, snootily, cruelly, heartlessly, nastily, viciously, shabbily, unfairly

Related Entry: Discreet (adjective)

Discreet is a different word from Discreetly. The synonyms below are for discreet, not for discreetly.

  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 Discreetly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Discreetly:

judiciously, prudently, sensibly, wisely, excusably, fairly, justifiably, validly, chivalrously, decorously, deferentially, gallantly, politely, respectfully, solicitously, pleasantly, compassionately, humanely, kindheartedly, sweetly, sympathetically, considerately, courteously, graciously, kindly, nicely, reasonably, thoughtfully, well

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Discreetly

Words with the opposite meaning of Discreetly:

discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly, contemptuously, disdainfully, disrespectfully, impolitely, rudely, scornfully, snootily, cruelly, heartlessly, nastily, viciously, shabbily, unfairly

Word Forms of Discreetly

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

Origin & Etymology of Discreetly

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 Discreetly

What does "Discreetly" mean?

"Discreetly" 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 an adjective and an adverb, 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).

What is another word for "Discreetly"?

Other words for "Discreetly" include judiciously, prudently, sensibly, wisely, excusably, fairly, justifiably and validly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Discreetly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Discreetly"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Discreetly". Common alternatives include judiciously, prudently, sensibly, wisely, excusably, fairly, justifiably, validly, chivalrously and decorously.

What is the opposite of "Discreetly"?

Antonyms of "Discreetly" include discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly, contemptuously, disdainfully, disrespectfully, impolitely and rudely.

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

"Discreetly" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Discreetly"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Discreetly"?

"Discreetly" 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.

What is another word for "Discreetly" meaning "as in wisely, sensibly"?

When "Discreetly" (adverb) means as in wisely, sensibly, synonyms include judiciously, prudently, sensibly, wisely, excusably and fairly. Opposites in this sense include discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly and contemptuously.