Discreet means tactful, careful, or unobtrusive. Discrete means separate or distinct. A discreet conversation avoids drawing attention. Discrete categories are separate from one another.
Decide whether you mean tact or separation
- “The manager made a discreet inquiry about the incident.” The inquiry was handled carefully to avoid unnecessary attention.
- “The survey sorts the answers into three discrete categories.” Each category is distinct.
Use the position of the e’s as a reminder
In discrete, the t keeps the two e’s apart. Think separate. In discreet, the two e’s sit together. Use that spelling for tact, restraint, or a low profile. Merriam-Webster’s usage note.
Try it
“Ask for a ___ meeting to discuss the results from three ___ groups.”
Show the answer
Use discreet for a meeting handled tactfully and discrete for separate groups.
See also Adverse vs. Averse.
