discretely

Discretely is the adverb form of the adjective discrete. In mathematics and statistics, discretely describes a property that occurs at distinct, separate values or steps, as opposed to continuous variation. For example, data collected at discretely spaced intervals illustrate non-continuous sampling. In general English, discrete means separate or distinct; discretely therefore can describe actions taken in a sequence of separate steps or at separate points in time.

A common point of confusion concerns similar-sounding words. The word discreet (without ly) means prudent, tactful, or modest in conduct; its adverb discreetly describes acting with caution or without attracting attention. These words are etymologically related in form but have different modern meanings and uses, and they should not be used interchangeably.

Etymology: discretely is built from discrete, which in turn derives from Latin discretus meaning separated or distinct, with the sense entering English via French. The related pair discreet and discreetly come from a different branch of the same root, now meaning prudent or tactful in modern usage.

Usage notes: discretely is commonly used in technical contexts to describe non-continuous phenomena, such as discretely valued variables, discretely spaced measurements, or discretely defined subgroups. In everyday language, writers may use discretely to emphasize separation or stepwise progression rather than continuity, though plain language alternatives are often clearer when the mathematical sense is not intended.

See also: discrete; discreet; discretization; discrete mathematics.