French word

discrètement

Pronunciation

IPA/diskʁɛtəmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbdiscreetly

Example

Elle a discrètement baissé la voix.

She discreetly lowered her voice.

Illustration for discrètement (discreetly)

More examples

Il a discrètement glissé la lettre dans ma poche.

He discreetly slipped the letter into my pocket.

Core concept

A quiet action kept out of notice, often to spare others attention or to show caution.

Common phrases

  • parler discrètement

    speak discreetly

  • agir discrètement

    act discreetly

  • se déplacer discrètement

    move quietly

Similar words

doucement: In a soft, gentle way that avoids strong force or noise.
silencieusement: Quietly, making very little sound.
furtivement: Stealthily, with the aim of avoiding discovery.
secrètement: Without others knowing, by keeping the matter hidden.

Definition in French

Sans bruit ni éclat, en évitant d'être remarqué, par réserve, modestie ou prudence.

Word origin

French discrètement is formed from discret with the adverbial suffix -ment, while discret comes from Latin discretus, linked to discernere, 'to distinguish'.

Usage tips

  • English discreetly often suggests tactful restraint, while French discrètement can also mean simply without attracting notice and does not require secrecy.

Other meanings

  • secretlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word