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Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary dis·creet ETYMOLOGY Middle English, from Anglo-French discret, from Medieval Latin discretus, from Latin, past participle of discernere to separate, distinguish between — more at discern DATE 14th century 1. having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent ; especially : capable of preserving prudent silence2. unpretentious , modest the warmth and discreet elegance of a civilized home — Joseph Wechsberg 3. unobtrusive , unnoticeable followed at a discreet distance • dis·creet·ly adverb • dis·creet·ness noun English Etymology discreet mid-14c., from O.Fr . discret, from L. discretus "separated, distinct," in M.L. "discerning, careful," from pp. of discernere"distinguish" (see discern). Spellings discrete and nativized discreet co-existed until after c.1600, when discreet became the common word for "careful, prudent," and discrete was maintained in philosophy, medicine, music and other disciplines that remembered L. and tried to stick close to it. Related: Discreetly.http://O.Fr Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7 discreet dis·creet / di5skr:it / adjective careful in what you say or do, in order to keep sth secret or to avoid causing embarrassment or difficulty for sb (言行)谨慎的,慎重的,考虑周到的 SYN tactful :
He was always very discreet about his love affairs. 他对两性关系一贯谨小慎微。 You ought to make a few discreet enquiries before you sign anything. 你应该审慎地询问清楚再签字。 • dis·creet·ly adv.: She coughed discreetly to announce her presence. 她审慎地咳了一声以让人注意自己在场。 WORD FAMILY discreet adj. ( ≠ indiscreet )
discretion n. ( ≠ indiscretion )
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus-11th Edition adj. Function: adjective 1 Synonyms: CAUTIOUS , calculating, careful, chary, circumspect, considerate, gingerly, guarded, safe, wary Contrasted Words: foolhardy Antonyms: indiscreet 2 Synonyms: PLAIN 1, dry, inelaborate, modest, simple, unadorned, unbeautified, unelaborate, unostentatious, unpretentious 3 Synonyms: CONSERVATIVE 2, controlled, moderate, reasonable, restrained, temperate, unexcessive, unextremeWebster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged dis·creet \də̇ˈskrēt, usu -ēd.+V\ adjective (sometimes -er/-est) Etymology: Middle English discreet, discret, from Middle French discret, from Medieval Latin discretus, from Latin, past participle of discernere to separate, distinguish between — more at discern 1. : possessed of or displaying discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent , circumspect , tactful ; especially : capable of preserving prudent silence (as with respect to confidences or delicate matters) < his trusted discreet aide > 2. a. : marked by, reflecting, or suggesting prudence, circumspection, or reticence : cautious , unobtrusive < a discreet silence > < discreet inquires > < followed her at a discreet distance > b. : not showy : unpretentious , modest < the warmth and discreet elegance of a civilized home — Joseph Wechsberg > : restrained , muted < her playing yesterday was extremely discreet in the sense of sonority and tonal impact — Olin Downes > : not offensively vivid or strong < perfumes became more “massive” and less discreet — T.F.Brady > 3. Scotland : observant of decencies : civil , polite • dis·creet·ness noun -es |
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