[syn: delicacy, diplomacy, discreetness, finesse]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Discreet \Dis*creet"\, a. [Compar. Discreeter; superl.
Discreetest.] [F. discret, L. discretus separated (whence
the meaning reserved, prudent), p. p. of discernere. See
Discern, and cf. Discrete.]
1. Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or
evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends; prudent;
sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious.
[1913 Webster]
It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the
learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation,
and gives measures to society. --Addison.
[1913 Webster]
Satire 's my weapon, but I 'm too discreet
To run amuck, and tilt at all I meet. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
The sea is silent, the sea is discreet.
--Longfellow.
[1913 Webster]
2. Differing; distinct. [Obs.] --Spenser. -- Dis*creet"ly,
adv. -- Dis*creet"ness, n. Discrepance
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
discreetness
n 1: knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress; "the
servants showed great tact and discretion" [syn:
discretion, discreetness, circumspection, prudence]
2: subtly skillful handling of a situation [syn: delicacy,
diplomacy, discreetness, finesse]