The New York Times | October 15, 2022
"Scientists identify five discrete stages in the formation of black holes."
Discrete vs. Discreet
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
'Discrete' means separate, distinct, or individual. 'Discreet' means careful, prudent, or unobtrusive - showing good judgment in speech and behaviour.
The project has three discrete phases, and the manager was discreet about the confidential details.
A Deeper Look
'Discrete' means separate or distinct from each other - like items you can count individually. Think of separate boxes rather than one big container.
The course is divided into five discrete modules, each covering a different topic.
She keeps all her craft supplies in discrete containers - beads in one, ribbons in another.
'Discreet' is about being careful and subtle in what you say or do, especially with private matters. Someone who's discreet knows how to keep things quiet when needed.
Please be discreet about the surprise party - we don't want her to find out!
The counsellor was very discreet and never discussed her clients with anyone.
Quick tip: 'Discrete' has the 't' separated by the 'e's, just like it means separate things. 'Discreet' has the 'e's together, just like keeping things quiet together.
Common Usage Patterns
Discrete
"Discrete elements"
"Discrete mathematics"
"Discrete categories"
Discreet
"A discreet inquiry"
"Be discreet about it"
"Discreet packaging"
Key Patterns
Discrete: often followed by nouns describing countable or separate things
Discreet: often used with words relating to behaviour, communication, or service
What Teachers Say
"In mathematics and statistics, we exclusively use 'discrete' - there's no room for confusion here. If you can count it separately, it's discrete."
-- Michael, Cambridge
"Business writing often confuses these terms. I see 'discrete' used wrongly in phrases like 'discrete service' when they mean confidential or unobtrusive service. That should be 'discreet'."
-- Patricia, New York
"The easiest way to remember: if it's about behaviour or keeping things private, use 'discreet'. If it's about separate things, use 'discrete'."
-- Raj, Mumbai
From The Headlines
Financial Times | June 8, 2017
"Private bank launches discreet wealth management service for ultra-high-net-worth clients."
The Globe and Mail | March 12, 2010
"Research shows social media users prefer discrete privacy settings over all-or-nothing options."
Test Yourself!
1. The spy needed to be _______ while gathering intelligence.
2. The software processes data in _______ chunks rather than as a continuous stream.
3. While the company maintains _______ departments for each function, managers must be _______ about upcoming organisational changes.
