discreet

/dəˈskrit/

/dɪsˈkrit/

Other forms: discreetest; discreeter

Discreet describes someone or something that is appropriately quiet, prudent, and restrained. If you are wearing a discreet gray suit, it is unlikely that anyone at that business meeting will notice you.

Often people use discreet not only to indicate modesty or carefulness, but also to show a sort of secretiveness along the lines of “You're going to keep this a secret, right?” If no one in your family knows that you like to dress up as a bear, but then your cousin finds out, you may ask him to please be discreet.

Definitions of discreet

1. adjective

   marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
   “his trusted discreet aide”

   “a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace”

   antonyms:

   indiscreet

   lacking discretion; injudicious

   bigmouthed, blabbermouthed, blabby, talkative

   unwisely talking too much

   imprudent

   lacking wise self-restraint
2. adjective

   not obtrusive or undesirably noticeable
   synonyms: unnoticeable, unobtrusive
3. adjective

   unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic
   “a discreet silence”

   synonyms: discerning

   tactful

   having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
4. adjective

   heedful of potential consequences
   “a discreet investor”

   synonyms: circumspect

   prudent

   careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment