discreet

Adjective
Synonyms: discerningcircumspect

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (3)

  1. marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint“his trusted discreet aide”“a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace”
  2. unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic“a discerning editor”“a discreet silence”Synonyms: discerning
  3. heedful of potential consequences“circumspect actions”“physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use”“a discreet investor”Synonyms: circumspect
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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

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