discreetly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that is careful about something of a personal or delicate nature; circumspectly.
These protocols allow patients to have private conversations with caregivers in which their questions can be answered discreetly.
-
in a way that is not conspicuous or obvious; unobtrusively.
The building is historic, as explained on the understated bronze plaque displayed discreetly in the entryway.
Other Word Forms
- overdiscreetly adverb
- quasi-discreetly adverb
Etymology
Origin of discreetly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We very discreetly make PA a part of it and use his 'aura and access'," he wrote.
From BBC
Aoki commissions the acerbic Jack to find and return his painting discreetly: “Nose around. Be a bit of a pest. There’s no one better than you to do that.”
Shortly after, bystander footage, discreetly filmed by a camp resident, picks up from the other direction to the CCTV.
From BBC
Both are nuclear powered and can operate discreetly in waters around the world, allowing commanders to launch covert strikes.
“We very discreetly make PA part of it and use his ‘aura and access,’ ” Stern wrote, referring to Prince Andrew.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
