Discreet and discrete are spelled with the same six letters rearranged, which makes them a classic source of typos, even though the meanings share no overlap.
Discreet means careful and tactful, especially about keeping something private.
discreet full definition →
Discrete means separate and distinct, individually identifiable, not connected.
discrete full definition →
| discreet | discrete | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Careful, tactful, private | Separate, distinct, individual |
| Used for | Behavior, comments, actions | Categories, parts, units |
| Simple test | "a discreet comment" means a tactful one | "discrete categories" means separate categories |
Discreet is about being tactful and quiet. Discrete is about being separate and distinct. The two Es in discreet sit together, just like being discreet keeps things close and quiet.
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