What does "discreetly" mean?

Having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech

It meas careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage.

Carefully

Some examples from Cambridge English Dictionary:

1. The removal of the waste is done discreetly.

2. She very discreetly corrected him about his mistake.

3. The cables can be discreetly placed out of sight.
   

Especially prudent.

What does discreetly mean?

"Discreetly" is an adverb. An adverb describes a verb, it tells us HOW an action is completed.

To do something "discreetly" means to do it in a way that is not obvious, so as to not attract a lot of attention or cause embarrassment.

For example:

"She told him what the correct answer was discreetly"

(She told him the correct answer in a way that was not obvious to others, so she did not embarrass him).

Another example:

"He asked her discreetly if the position at the company was still available"

(He asked her in a careful way in order to keep it confidential and not attract the attention of others)

A third example:

She tried discreetly to find out more about Joe.

(She didn`t want it to be obvious or for him or other people to know)

In conclusion...

We use discreetly to say that an action is done carefully as to not cause embarrassment or to keep something private or confidential.

What does "discreetly" mean?

MEANING

"Discreetly" is an adverb that describes an action that is done in a way that is subtle, unobtrusive, or not obvious.

It comes from the adjective "discreet", which means "to be careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially in order to keep something confidential or to avoid embarrassment."

USE

"Discreetly" is often used to describe actions that are done in a way that is not meant to draw attention or that is meant to be private or confidential.

EXAMPLE SENTENCES

• "Please handle this matter discreetly, as it is confidential."

• "She left the room discreetly, hoping not to disturb anyone."

• "He whispered the news discreetly to his friend, not wanting anyone else to overhear."

• "Please be discreet when discussing this matter, as it is sensitive and private."

• "She opened the door discreetly, hoping not to wake anyone up."

In these examples, the adverb "discreetly" is used to describe actions that are done in a subtle, unobtrusive, or not obvious way, and the adjective "discreet" is used to describe the person who is behaving discreetly.

READ A SHORT STORY

Here is a short story featuring the words "discreet" and "discreetly":

Kate was a journalist working on an exposé about corruption in the city government. She had been gathering evidence and conducting interviews for months, and she was finally ready to go public with her story. However, she knew that she had to be careful, as the people she was exposing were powerful and might try to stop her.

Kate decided to meet with her editor at a discreet location, away from the office. She didn't want anyone to know what she was working on until the story was ready to be published. She arrived at the café early and sat in a corner booth, where she would be less likely to be overheard.

When her editor arrived, Kate handed over her research and explained her findings. She had uncovered evidence of bribery, fraud, and abuse of power at the highest levels of government. Her editor was shocked and immediately agreed to publish the story.

Kate left the café discreetly, trying to avoid attracting attention. She knew that once the story was published, she would be in the spotlight, but she was ready to face the consequences of her work. She had exposed the truth and hoped that her story would bring about change.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Here are some discussion questions related to the short story featuring the word "discreetly":

1. Why did Kate decide to meet with her editor at a discreet location?

2. How did Kate try to avoid attracting attention when she left the café?

3. Do you think Kate made the right decision in exposing the corruption in the city government? Why or why not?

4. How might the story have been different if Kate had not been discreet in her actions?

5. What might be some consequences of Kate's decision to expose the corruption?

6. Do you think it is important for journalists to be discreet in their work? Why or why not?

7. How might Kate's story inspire others to speak out against corruption or injustice?

8. What can we learn from Kate's story about the importance of exposing the truth and seeking justice?

What does discreetly mean? It is a word meaning to do something in a careful or prudent manner. To keep something confidential to avoid embarrassment.

How to use the word discreetly.....

He discreetly asked his boss for a pay rise.

She coughed discreetly into a tissue.

Exercise: Where would you put the word discreetly in the following sentences:

1. She sneezed.

2. He asked for more money

Answers:

1. She sneezed discreetly.

2. He discreetly asked for more money.

   Conclusion: A useful word to imply doing something carefully and thoughtfully.

"Discreet" means to be cautious or circumspect in one's actions or behavior.

Here is a more detailed answer:

"Discreet" means to be cautious or circumspect in one's actions or behavior, particularly in order to avoid attracting attention or causing offense. The term is often used to describe someone who is careful and thoughtful in their actions, and who avoids drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. It can also be used to describe something that is subtle or unobtrusive, and not likely to be noticed or to cause a disturbance.

Here are a few usage examples to help you better understand this expression:

• "I'm going to be discreet and not bring up the elephant in the room."

• "She always manages to be discreet, even when she's upset."

• "I need to be discreet about this – it's a sensitive matter."

• "That perfume is so discreet – I barely notice it."

Here are a few multiple choice questions to help you practice using this expression:

1. What does "discreet" mean?

   a) To be cautious or circumspect in one's actions or behavior

   b) To be bold or attention-seeking in one's actions or behavior

   c) To be careless or reckless in one's actions or behavior

   d) To be indifferent or apathetic in one's actions or behavior

Answer: a) To be cautious or circumspect in one's actions or behavior

2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the term "discreet"?

   a) Often used to describe someone who is careful and thoughtful in their actions, and who avoids drawing unnecessary attention to themselves

   b) Used to describe something that is subtle or unobtrusive, and not likely to be noticed or to cause a disturbance

   c) Used to describe someone who is bold or attention-seeking in their actions

   d) Used to describe something that is loud or disruptive

Answer: c) Used to describe someone who is bold or attention-seeking in their actions

3. Can the term "discreet" be used to describe something that is loud or disruptive?

   a) Yes

   b) No

Answer: b) No

4. Is the term "discreet" typically used to describe someone who is careful and thoughtful in their actions, and who avoids drawing unnecessary attention to themselves?

   a) Yes

   b) No

Answer: a) Yes

Conclusion:

"Discreet" means to be cautious or circumspect in one's actions or behavior, particularly in order to avoid attracting attention or causing offense. The term is often used to describe someone who is careful and thoughtful in their actions, and who avoids drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. It can also be used to describe something that is subtle or unobtrusive, and not likely to be noticed or to cause a disturbance.