Discreet vs. Discrete – How to Use Each Correctly

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Discreet vs. Discrete – What’s the Gist?

These two homophones are both adjectives, sound the same, and have very similar spellings. In spite of their similarities, they are not interchangeable. Discreet is possessing good judgment or modesty. On the other hand, the word discrete means being a separate entity or, as a mathematical function, having a finite number of values.

Interestingly enough, one of the reasons these two words are similar is because they share an etymology. Both discreet and discrete share the same Latin word discretus, which suggests a separation.

In other words, the word discreet shows the separation in understanding between good and bad conduct. The term discrete reveals a separation found within distinct units. As such, this original idea of separation reflects from these two respective words.

  • Discreet is an adjective describing a person who has a discerning personality.
  • Discrete is an adjective comprised of a distinct entity or of unconnected elements.

discreet versus discrete

How to Use Discreet in a Sentence

Discreet definition: The modifier discreet reflects the idea of being able to distinguish between good, prudent, and unpretentious behavior.

For example:

  • Her discreet nature allowed the woman to leave the office unnoticed. (Adjective)
  • The man’s discreet silence was admired by his critics. (Adjective)
  • The quiet elegance and the tasteful décor reflected the owner’s discreet approach to home furnishings. (Adjective)

Discreet reflects a discernment in good judgment.

How to Use Discrete in a Sentence

Discrete definition: Discrete signifies something that is separate or noncontinuous, or has a finite number of values, or is not mathematically continuous.

For example:

  • Although the condo community was constructed into quads, the individual units were discrete. (Adjective)
  • The study tables at the library were spread out at a discrete distance. (Adjective)
  • The doctoral candidate was learning the difference between discrete and continuous numbers. (Adjective)

Discrete also means something that is noncontinuous.

Outside Examples of Discreet vs. Discrete

  • From September to December of last year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said that it had recovered 2,194 items dropped through subway grates—1,220 of them earbuds or AirPods. AirPods are meant to discreetly fit in an earlobe and stay there, but they sometimes don’t. Many people who own a pair eventually end up losing them. –Chicago Tribune
  • He said creating a code word with a friend is one way to reach out for help while being discreet. Rennie-Brown said some 911 call centers have text options, which are often used for domestic violence cases. The Oregon, Ohio, 911 line cannot receive texts, Teneyck told The Washington Post. –USA Today
  • Diller thinks of the tar pits park not so much as a series of discrete functions but as overlapping ecological zones — “ecotones,” she calls them — and each would fade into the next. –LA Times
  • Residents enter through a discrete porte-cochère leading into the Champalimaud-designed lobby. The Centrale additionally fits a private dining room, a gym curated by The Wright Fit and a conference room. –New York Post

Phrases That Use Discreet and Discrete

There are not many common phrases that use these two words. That being said, there some idiomatic derivations for discreet as well some phrases that use the both discreet and discrete, including:

Discretion is the better part of valor: Being brave means being able to recognize when to be prudent.

  • When confronting rude people, discretion is the better part of valor in staying safe.

Being discreet: Acting in a subtle or unobtrusive way.

  • By being discreet, the woman sent a text without anyone in the room noticing.

Discrete portion: An individually distinct section.

  • The candy was divided among the children in discrete portions.

How to Remember These Words

Because these two words have very little in common, you want to choose the one reflecting the meaning needed. Admittedly, this choice is a challenging once since both terms are the same part of speech, pronounced the same, and are spelled similarly.

It is the spelling that allows for a mnemonic device. In discreet, the double ee’s will help you remember that it is doubly important to be prudent or to use sound judgment. With the word discrete, the letter t between the letter e’s make the vowels noncontinuous or individually distinct, which is the definition of the expression.

For example:

  • When listening to something spoken in confidence, be discreet in keeping it undisclosed.
  • When working, it is wise to keep home and career in discrete areas of your life.

Quiz: Discreet or Discrete

  • The nursing mother covered her feeding baby __________.
  • The large university had ­­__________ dormitories located all over the campus.
  • Although the family members looked similar, certain characteristics were __________.
  • During the verbal assault, his ­­­­_________ nature revealed a gracious response.

Article Summary

Is discreet or discrete correct? Contrary to what you might think, they are not the same word.

  • Discreet is an adjective describing someone being discerning.
  • Discrete is an adjective describing something being distinct.

Quiz Answers

  • Discreetly.
  • Discrete.
  • Discrete.
  • Discreet.