TER General Board

Discreet Not Discrete
random619 837 reads
posted

For provider ads, the word you mean to use is  “discreet.”It’s related to the word “discretion.”

 “Discrete” doesn’t relate to privacy but in being specific, distinctive.  

People know what you mean but if you want to be “upscale” it’s good to know.  

Hope this is helpful.
 (Cue the trash talk?)

From Grammarly:  
Discreet and discrete are
homophones. They sound the same
but they have different definitions.

Discreet means careful or
intentionally unobtrusive.

Discrete means distinct or
unconnected.

Discreet and Discrete: What’s the Difference?

“Discreet” has the better-known meaning: inconspicuous, proper, private, or unnoticeable. If you were a person who handles problems (especially potentially embarrassing problems) without calling attention to them, you might be considered a discreet person. You can also be discreet about your accomplishments, which would mean that you’re not boastful.

“Discrete,” on the other hand, means separate. If you’re into computers, you might be aware of the difference between discrete graphics cards and integrated ones. Techwalla.com describes a discrete graphics card as a “separate, or discrete, graphics processing unit (GPU) and separate graphics memory.” Sometimes, you can directly substitute the word “discrete” for the word “separate.” For example, if you have to put together a piece of furniture that comes in five separate parts, you could say that the five parts are discrete.

iHeartMouthHugs90 reads

Just wanted to add a silly point about more basic words that are commonly misused.

Now prepare for abuse for being a grammar nazi.
What these people don't get is that language is supposed to be a form of communication so people can exchange information. And if the language is wrong or imprecise the communication and sharing of accurate information can't happen.
Wake up, dummies.

I thought homophones were pink phones sold to men.  

CurlyW-NatsFan90 reads

a little too advanced for some women who are barely literate in English.

Not to mention the fair number of mongers who don't know or care about the difference either.

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