Discreet vs. Discrete

When words sound exactly the same, they are called homophones. Homophones are tricky because the only way to tell them apart is by recognizing their different spellings. In spoken language, no one would ever know the difference, but when we write the words, we need to make sure to use the correct spelling. Let's look at the homophones discreet and discrete and their very different meanings.

Discreet is an adjective that is used to describe an action that is unobtrusive, subtle, or understated. It is something that is done on the "down low."

1. The teacher was discreet when she asked the crying child if he needed a tissue.

2. The mother asked her soon to be a little more discreet and not shout out the next time he had to go to the restroom while eating in a restaurant.

3. Can you be discreet when you ask Sarah if she is inviting me to her birthday party?

Discrete is an adjective that describes items that are separate, individual, and unattached to each other.

1. The collage was made up of many discrete photographs arranged in an interesting order.

2. If you look closely you can see the discrete building blocks that were used to make this doll house.

As you can see, although these words are pronounced the same, they mean very different things. Discreet is about being unobtrusive; discrete is about being separate and individual. Make sure that you understand the discrete meanings of these two words and when you are unsure, discreetly ask someone for help!