Spanish word

discreto

Pronunciation

IPA/disˈkɾeto/

Meaning

  • adjectivediscreet

Example

Lleva un maquillaje discreto.

She is wearing discreet makeup.

Illustration for discreto (discreet)

More examples

En la reunión su discreta actitud ayudó a calmar la tensión.

At the meeting his discreet attitude helped calm the tension.

Core concept

Measured, restrained behavior.

Common phrases

  • actitud discreta

    discreet attitude

  • respuesta discreta

    discreet response

Similar words

reservado: Emotionally private and guarded, keeping thoughts and feelings to oneself.
diplomático: Careful, tactful speech and behavior chosen to avoid offending others.
tímido: Shy and withdrawn in social situations, uncomfortable drawing attention.
sobrio: Serious, restrained appearance or manner that avoids showiness.

Definition in Spanish

Que muestra moderación y prudencia en conducta, apariencia o palabras, sin llamar la atención.

Word origin

Derived from Latin discretus, originally 'separated' as the past participle of discernere, the adjective shifts to denote acting with moderation and prudence.

Usage tips

  • When used about makeup or clothing, discreto implies subtle elegance rather than plainness, so English 'subtle' is often a closer match than 'simple'.

Other meanings

  • restrainedadjective
  • tight-lippedadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word