Discrete means separate or distinct. Discreet means cautious, reserved, or modest, and it’s usually used in reference to behaviors. Although the homophones have the same Latin root, discreet came to English via French and retains its French meaning. If it helps, remember this: The two e’s in discrete are discrete from each other.
The noun discretion comes from discreet. Discrete‘s corresponding noun is discreteness.
Examples
To be able to combine discrete characteristics of species is a dream of science. [Genetics and Literature]
However, the actor hasn’t curbed his behaviour completely—he’s just more discreet. [Zimbio]
December is a series of discrete expeditions, and energy must be budgeted if you’re to go the distance. [Independent]
Leave it to the reigning queen of ugly chic to make décolletage discreet and quietly subversive. [NY Times]
There is still color, but in discrete bursts: the orange of a 1965 Olivier Mourgue Djinn Relaxer, the cobalt blue of a 1968 Bouloum chaise, the red of a 1968 Kazuhide Takahama Suzanne sofa. [NY Times]
Roja is discreet about his clients, but notes that he is “off to Russia” next week for conduct a “fitting” for one super-rich customer. [Telegraph]
