discreet

discreet — adjective

1. Acting in a way that avoids upsetting others or letting private information beco

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Acting in a way that avoids upsetting others or letting private information become widely known.

例句

Layla was discreet about the office restructuring and told no one outside the management team.

collocation: discreet about [topic]

The nurse asked in a discreet whisper so that other patients would not hear.

adjective before noun: discreet whisper

同義詞
  • tactful

    Focuses on not offending others, while discreet adds the idea of keeping secrets.

  • diplomatic

    More formal; emphasises skill in handling sensitive situations.

  • careful

    Broader; discreet is more specific about secrecy and avoiding embarrassment.

反義詞
  • indiscreet

    The direct opposite — revealing things that should stay private.

  • tactless

    Offensive or insensitive, often without meaning to be.

文法句型

be discreet about [topic]

discreet + noun

keep something discreet

用法筆記

Often used with 'about' to introduce the topic being kept private: 'discreet about her plans'.

常見錯誤

❌He is very discreet and tells everyone everything.
✅He is very discreet and tells no one anything.
💡Being discreet means keeping things private, not sharing them widely.

2. Showing the ability to make sensible, well-considered decisions about what to sa

2.形容詞C1
釋義

Showing the ability to make sensible, well-considered decisions about what to say or do in social or professional situations.

例句

Élise was discreet in her reply to the difficult question at the board meeting.

collocation: discreet in [action]

A discreet investor studies every detail before putting money into a new business.

adjective before noun: discreet investor

同義詞
  • prudent

    Closer in meaning; prudent focuses on avoiding risk, discreet on social appropriateness.

  • judicious

    More formal; emphasises wisdom and sound reasoning in decisions.

  • sensible

    Broader; discreet adds a layer of social awareness and restraint.

反義詞
  • imprudent

    Lacking good judgment; acting without thinking of consequences.

  • rash

    Acting too quickly without careful thought, the opposite of prudent judgment.

文法句型

be discreet in [action/speech]

discreet + noun (choice, handling, reply)

用法筆記

This sense overlaps with 'prudent' and 'judicious', but discreet emphasises the social and interpersonal aspects of good judgment — knowing what is appropriate to say or do around others.

常見錯誤

❌The CEO was discreet by spending company money carelessly.
✅The CEO was discreet by carefully weighing every business decision before acting.
💡Discreet means sensible and careful, not careless.

3. Designed or placed in a way that does not draw attention and is easy to go unnot

3.形容詞C1
釋義

Designed or placed in a way that does not draw attention and is easy to go unnoticed.

例句

A discreet sign outside the café simply read 'Coffee' in small silver letters.

adjective before noun: discreet sign

The security cameras were discreet and hidden inside the smoke detectors in the hallway.

同義詞
  • unobtrusive

    Nearly identical; discreet is slightly more common for human behaviour, unobtrusive for objects.

  • inconspicuous

    Emphasises the quality of being hard to notice.

  • subtle

    Broader; discreet implies a deliberate intention to avoid notice, while subtle can be unintentional.

反義詞
  • obtrusive

    Unpleasantly noticeable; the direct opposite of discreet in this sense.

  • conspicuous

    Easily seen or attracting attention.

文法句型

discreet + noun

be discreet

remain discreet

用法筆記

This sense applies mainly to objects, designs, and physical features rather than people. It describes things that are intentionally subtle or low-key.