2 meanings, 6 uses
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1 —3 uses as in:
discreet--not showy or gossipy
Definition
trustworthy with secrets and/or inconspicuous or unobtrusive
- Then she saw a gentleman standing in the middle of the room, from which her aunt had discreetly retired.Chapter 35 (35% in)
discreetly = in a manner that is unlikely to attract attention or cause embarrassment
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- You are not discreet.Chapter 29 (75% in)
- No, I am not discreet; I know I am too pressing.Chapter 29 (76% in)
There are no more uses of "discreet" flagged with this meaning in Washington Square.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
2 —3 uses as in:
discreet--not foolish
Definition
sensible and careful; possibly having good manners
- Well, I have been indiscreet, formerly; but I think I have got over it.Chapter 9 (42% in)
indiscreet = not sensible or careful
(Editor's note: 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.)
(Editor's note: 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.)
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- Allow me to say that it is extremely indiscreet of you to form secret alliances with young men.Chapter 8 (56% in)
- My daughter, whom you have never seen, is nothing to you; and I, possibly, am only an indiscreet and impertinent old man.Chapter 14 (33% in)
There are no more uses of "discreet" flagged with this meaning in Washington Square.
Typical Usage
(best examples)