Word Usage

Mary W. Ng

June 26, 2009

discreet, discrete

Discreet is an adjective meaning “to be careful not to cause embarrassment or attract too much attention”. Discrete is an adjective meaning “separate”.

Incorrect:I trust you will be discrete in your investigation.
Correct:I trust you will be discreet in your investigation.
Incorrect:The lessons are broken down into discreet units.
Correct:The lessons are broken down into discrete units.