Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

discreet

/dɪˈskɹiːt/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.43 in modern English

Syllables: dis-creet
IPA: /dɪˈskɹiːt/

11

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Respectful of privacy or secrecy; exercising caution in order to avoid causing embarrassment; quiet; diplomatic.

adj

Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.

Example Sentences

"With a discreet gesture, she reminded him to mind his manners."
"John just doesn't understand that laughing at Mary all day is not very discreet."
"Just pass me by, don't even speak / Know the word's "discreet" with part-time lovers"

Etymology

From Middle English discrete, from Old French discret, from Latin discrētus, from past participle of discernere. Doublet of discrete.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: *krey-, discrete, discret, discrētus

Inflected Forms

more discreet (comparative) discreeter (comparative) most discreet (superlative) discreetest (superlative)

Derived Forms

discreetly discreetness indiscreet semidiscreet ultradiscreet undiscreet

Frequently Paired Words

discretion

Synonyms

appropriate prudent tactful tight-lipped low-profile noteless unobtrusive discreet improminent inconspicuous inevident inobtrusive

Homonyms

discrete

Rhymes With

street meet st eat complete beat feet sweet heat seat treat meat

Questions

How do you pronounce discreet?: The recorded pronunciation is /dɪˈskɹiːt/.
What does discreet mean?: Respectful of privacy or secrecy; exercising caution in order to avoid causing embarrassment; quiet; diplomatic.
Where does discreet come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce discreet

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “discreet”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/dɪˈskɹiːt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “discreet”.
Repeat and practice — Say “discreet” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.