German word

diskret

Pronunciation

IPA/dɪsˈkʁeːt/

Meaning

  • adjectivediscreet

Example

Er ist diskreter als seine Kollegen.

He is more discreet than his colleagues.

Illustration for diskret (discreet)

More examples

Er blieb diskret und kommentierte nichts.

He stayed discreet and did not comment on anything.

Core concept

A person handles sensitive matters quietly and tactfully, without drawing notice.

Common phrases

  • diskretes Verhalten zeigen

    display discreet behavior

  • diskret bleiben

    remain discreet

Similar words

taktvoll: Choosing words and actions carefully to spare someone's feelings.
zurückhaltend: Not openly expressing many opinions or emotions.
verschwiegen: Keeping confidential information from being revealed.
vertraulich: Intended for a limited group rather than public knowledge.

Definition in German

Zurückhaltend und taktvoll im Verhalten oder Ausdruck, ohne dabei Aufmerksamkeit zu erregen.

Word origin

German "diskret" came through French discret from Latin discretus, the past participle of discernere, and developed toward tactful restraint.

Usage tips

  • German "diskret" corresponds to English "discreet", whereas English "discrete" means separate or distinct.

Other meanings

  • tactfuladjective
  • inconspicuousadjective
  • confidentialadjective

Opposites

  • indiskretindiscreetadjective

Related words

  • Diskretiondiscretionnoun

Word lists with this word