Discreet Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of DISCREET

[more discreet; most discreet]

1

— used to suggest that someone is being careful about not allowing something to be known or noticed by many people

• a discreet way to handle the problem
• She was always very discreet about her personal life.
• He made discreet inquiries about the job.
• He maintained a discreet silence.

— opposite indiscreet

2

:

not likely to be seen or noticed by many people

• A photographer followed the bride and groom at a discreet [=_unobtrusive_] distance.

◊ Do not confuse discreet with discrete.

• a letter discreetly hidden in the pages of an old book