discretly

Discretly is an adverb that describes an action performed in a way that is intended to be unobserved or to avoid drawing attention. It implies a deliberate effort to maintain secrecy or privacy. For example, someone might discreetly pass a note to another person, meaning they do it without others noticing. It can also refer to acting in a way that is not obvious or conspicuous, often to avoid causing embarrassment or offense.

The root word, discreet, is an adjective that means being careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. Therefore, acting discretly involves a conscious awareness of one's surroundings and the potential impact of one's actions on others. This might involve keeping information confidential, moving quietly, or speaking in hushed tones.

In many social situations, discretion is valued. It allows for private conversations, personal matters to be handled without public scrutiny, and sensitive information to be protected. The opposite of acting discretly would be to act openly, overtly, or conspicuously. While discretion is generally considered a positive trait, its application can sometimes be seen as secretive or even deceptive, depending on the context and the intentions behind the action.