Discrete or Discreet?

The ship has four discrete sections.

His service is very discreet.





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A Video Summary

What is the difference between "discrete" and "discreet"?"Discrete" means "individually distinct." For example:"Discreet" means "inconspicuous" or "respecting secrecy." For example:Here is a short video summarizing the difference between "discrete" and "discreet."

More about "Discrete"

There is a rack on the bench that contains all the discrete electronic components.

Our club has three discrete membership categories.

More about "Discreet"

You can trust my aide — he is very discreet.

The painting was won by a discreet telephone bidder.

Ways to Remember Discrete and Discreet

Discrete Variables

Interactive Exercise Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students. Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.





The adjective "discrete" means "individually distinct" or "separate" (i.e., something that is not part of something else).Examples:The adjective "discreet" means "respecting secrecy," "inconspicuous," or "diplomatic."Examples:With "discr" the e's are separated. Let this remind you that "discrete" means "individually distinct."With "discrt" the two e's look like shifty eyes. Let this remind you that "discreet" means "secretive."In Mathematics, there is a type of variable called a "discrete variable." A discrete variable is one that cannot take on all values within its range. For example, in a survey, you might be asked to rate a holiday from 1 to 5. In this survey, you cannot choose 1.7 or 3.4. You can only choose 1,2,3,4 or 5. You cannot pick any values in between. The survey expects you to select a discrete variable.