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be discreet
/biː dɪˈskriːt/
keep information private
She asked him to be discreet about their plans.
She wanted him to keep their plans confidential.
formalinformal
to keep information private or confidential
The lawyer advised his client to be discreet about the case details.
The lawyer told his client to avoid sharing sensitive information.
He was discreet about his personal life, rarely discussing it publicly.
He kept his personal life private and didn't talk about it often.
Often used in professional or personal contexts where confidentiality is important.
Collocations
be discreet aboutto keep something privatediscreet silencea quiet, unobtrusive silence
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Professional vs. Personal Use
In professional settings, 'be discreet' often refers to confidentiality, while in personal contexts, it may imply avoiding unnecessary attention.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning can shift slightly depending on whether it's used in a formal or informal context.
Word Origin
From Latin 'discretus' (separate, distinct), via Old French 'discret' (prudent).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in professional settings (e.g., law, business) and personal relationships.
Word Breakdown
be
auxiliary verb indicating a state
auxiliarydiscreet
careful not to attract attention or reveal private information
adjectiveEnglish Dictionary