1.
If you are ~, you are polite and careful in what you do or say, because you want to avoid embarrassing or offending someone.
They were gossipy and not always ~...
ADJ
~ly
I took the phone, and she went ~ly into the living room.
ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV with cl
2.
If you are ~ about something you are doing, you do not tell other people about it, in order to avoid being embarrassed or to gain an advantage.
She’s making a few ~ inquiries with her mother’s friends.
ADJ: oft ADJ about n
~ly
Everyone tried ~ly to find out more about him.
ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV with cl
3.
If you describe something as ~, you approve of it because it is small in size or degree, or not easily noticed.
She wore ~ jewellery.
ADJ approval
~ly
...stately houses, ~ly hidden behind great avenues of sturdy trees...
ADV: ADV -ed/adj