Discrete and Discreet
The Quick Answer
What is the difference between discrete and discreet?Discrete means individually distinct. For example:
- The ship has four discrete sections.
- His service is very discreet.
Discrete and Discreet
The words discrete and discreet sound identical, but their meanings are different (i.e., they are homonyms).A Video Summary
Here is a short video summarizing the difference between discrete and discreet.Discrete
The adjective discrete means individually distinct or separate (i.e., something that is not part of something else).Examples:
- There is a rack on the bench that contains all the discrete electronic components.
- Our club has three discrete membership categories.
Discreet
The adjective discreet means respecting secrecy, inconspicuous, or diplomatic.Examples:
- You can trust my aide — he is very discreet.
- The painting was won by a discreet telephone bidder.
See Also
adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? tenant or tenet? who's or whose?What are adjectives? List of easily confused words
Interactive Test
Top Tip
Ways to Remember Discrete and Discreet
With discrete the e's are separated. Let this remind you that discrete means individually distinct.With discreet the two e's look like shifty eyes. Let this remind you that discreet means secretive.