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more about discreet
discreet |
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}]
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