discreet

Discreet is an adjective describing behavior or actions that avoid drawing attention, or that are careful not to offend, reveal sensitive information, or cause embarrassment. A discreet person acts with tact and prudence, respecting others’ privacy and choosing words and actions that are appropriate to the situation. The adverb form is discreetly.

The term derives from Old French discreet and from Latin discretus, meaning separated or distinct. In English, discreet has long carried the sense of prudent, careful, and unobtrusive conduct. It is commonly confused with discreet’s homograph, discreet vs discrete, the latter meaning separate or distinct. Despite similar spelling, discreet emphasizes tact and privacy, while discrete emphasizes individuality or separateness.

Usage notes and contexts: discreet is frequently used to describe etiquette in social interaction, privacy in personal or professional dealings, and low-profile approaches in security, journalism, or diplomacy. Examples include a discreet inquiry about a sensitive issue, discreet packaging for privacy, or a discreet payment that avoids drawing attention. Synonyms include tactful, prudent, circumspect, and unobtrusive; antonyms include indiscreet, bold, or conspicuous.

In contemporary writing, discreet does not imply secrecy or concealment in a malicious sense, but rather careful handling of information and attention to social norms. The concept centers on sensitivity to context, audience, and potential impact, rather than on hiding information altogether.