All 6 Uses of
discreet
in
Washington Square
- Allow me to say that it is extremely indiscreet of you to form secret alliances with young men.
Chpt 8 (definition 1)indiscreet = not sensible or carefulstandard prefix: The prefix "in-" in indiscreet means not and reverses the meaning of discreet. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
- Well, I have been indiscreet, formerly; but I think I have got over it.
Chpt 9 (definition 1) *
- My daughter, whom you have never seen, is nothing to you; and I, possibly, am only an indiscreet and impertinent old man.
Chpt 14 (definition 1)
- You are not discreet.
Chpt 29 (definition 2)discreet = trustworthy with secrets and/or inconspicuous or unobtrusive
- No, I am not discreet; I know I am too pressing.
Chpt 29 (definition 2)
- Then she saw a gentleman standing in the middle of the room, from which her aunt had discreetly retired.
Chpt 35 (definition 2) *discreetly = in a manner that is unlikely to attract attention or cause embarrassment
Definitions:
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(1) (discreet as in: discreet--not foolish) sensible and careful; possibly having good mannerseditor's notes: This sense of discreet is more commonly seen in classic literature than in modern writing. There is may also refer to having the judgment to exercise good manners.
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(2) (discreet as in: discreet--not showy or gossipy) trustworthy with secrets or subtle (not attracting attention)editor's notes: This sense of discreet sometimes indicates that something is small (so as not to attract attention) as in "discreet earrings."