Confusable pair · C1
Discreet or discrete?
Discreet means careful not to attract attention or reveal a secret: a discreet enquiry. Discrete means separate and distinct: three discrete stages. They sound identical, so only the spelling separates them. Discrete keeps its two e-s apart, which is a fair reminder that it means separate.
Which word, and why
- discreet
careful, tactful, unnoticeable
Careful not to reveal information or attract attention.
a discreet enquiry · be discreet about it · discreet lighting
- discretetechnical
separate and individually distinct
Existing as a separate unit.
discrete units · three discrete phases · discrete data
Now use it
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He made a few enquiries without letting anyone know why.