2 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Discreet \Dis*creet"\, a. [Compar. {Discreeter}; superl.
{Discreetest}.] [F. discret, L. discretus separated (whence
the meaning reserved, prudent), p. p. of discernere. See
{Discern}, and cf {Discrete}.]
1. Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or
evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends prudent;
sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious.
It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the
learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation,
and gives measures to society. --Addison.
Satire 's my weapon, but I 'm too discreet To run
amuck, and tilt at all I meet --Pope.
The sea is silent, the sea is discreet.
--Longfellow.
2. Differing; distinct. [Obs.] --Spenser. -- {Dis*creet"ly},
adv -- {Dis*creet"ness}, n.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
discreet
adj 1: marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint; "his
trusted discreet aide"; "a discreet, finely wrought
gold necklace [ant: {indiscreet}]
2: unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic; "a discerning
editor"; "a discreet silence" [syn: {discerning}]
3: heedful of potential consequences; "circumspect actions";
"physicians are now more circumspect about recommending
its use"; "a discreet investor" [syn: {circumspect}]
more about discreet
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