Discreet vs Discrete: Which One Do You Need?
Discreet means careful not to attract attention. Discrete means separate.
A discreet enquiry. Three discrete stages.
The test that settles it
Look at where the es sit. In discrete the two es are separated by a t — and that is what the word means.
“kept it ___” → quiet and tactful, so discreet.
“two ___ problems” → separate ones, so discrete.
Discreet: tactful, unobtrusive
Careful in speech and behaviour so as not to cause embarrassment or draw notice. Its noun is discretion.
He made a discreet enquiry.
A discreet grey suit.
Please be discreet about this.
Swap in tactful. If it works, discreet.
Discrete: separate and distinct
Made up of parts that do not overlap. Common in mathematics, science and technical writing.
The process has four discrete stages.
Discrete data, as opposed to continuous.
Two discrete populations.
Swap in separate. If it works, discrete.
Side by side
| Discreet | Discrete |
|---|---|
| Tactful | Separate |
| ee together | e-t-e, kept apart |
| Noun: discretion | Noun: discreteness |
| A discreet word | A discrete unit |
The exception
Both come from Latin discretus, separated. The tactful sense developed from the idea of being able to tell things apart — showing discernment.
The spellings only settled into separate meanings in the seventeenth century, which is why they still cause trouble.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| three discreet categories | three discrete categories | Separate ones. |
| Be discrete about it. | Be discreet about it. | Tactful. |
| a discrete distance away | a discreet distance away | Unobtrusive. |
| discreet mathematics | discrete mathematics | The field dealing with separate values. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- The task splits into five ___ steps.
- She was ___ about the arrangement.
- A ___ knock at the door.
- The chart shows ___ values.
- I would appreciate your ___.
Show the answers
1. discrete 2. discreet 3. discreet 4. discrete 5. discretion
Frequently asked
Which is more common?
Discreet, in everyday writing. Discrete dominates in technical and academic prose.
What is the adverb?
Discreetly and discretely, and they follow the same split in meaning.
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