— discreetly , adv. — discreetness , n.
/di skreet"/ , adj.
1. judicious in one's conduct or speech, esp. with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect.
2. showing prudence and circumspection; decorous: a discreet silence.
3. modestly unobtrusive; unostentatious: a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace.
[ 1325-75; ME discret discretus, L: separated (ptp. of discernere; see DISCERN), equiv. to dis- DIS- 1 + cre- separate, distinguish (var. s. of cernere ) + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 1. See careful .
Ant. 1. indiscreet.