Note 112 – Discreet and discrete

There is a distinct (discrete) difference between the words discreet and discrete although (according to the Daily Writing Tips website http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-difference-between-discreet-and-discrete/) “both discreet and discrete derive from the same Latin word discretus” which means separated or distinct. 

DISCREET

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook by Martin Mander & Stephen Curtis defines discreet as:

• Careful
• Unlikely to attract attention

Examples in sentences:

• Please try to be discreet; she’s sitting at the next table
• She discreetly put the letter in the bin

DISCRETE

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook by Martin Mander & Stephen Curtis defines discrete as:

• Separate
• Individually distinct

Examples in sentences:

• She wrapped each present discretely.
• The town house was converted into three discrete apartments 

My thoughts: I’ve used the word ‘discreet’ in my writing before, but I don’t think I’ve ever used ‘discrete’, so I feel like I’ve expanded my vocabulary today.

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Until tomorrow…

Sandra

My writing challenge: http://wp.me/p1x6Ui-4

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Twitter: @madeirasandra and @tipsandluxuries

Reference list:

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook by Martin Mander & Stephen Curtis (Penguin Reference Library)

Daily Writing Tips website http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-difference-between-discreet-and-discrete/