Discreet, discrete

Remember discretionary powers, and you will know how to distinguish between discrete and discreet. Discrete – SEPARATE, Discreet – PRUDENT.

Discreet as an adjective means being careful, showing good judgment in what one says or does, not too obvious (the parlour is located in a discreet location), circumspect, tactful, unobtrusive (a discreet touch of rouge on her cheeks), prudent or judicious in one’s dealing with someone or something.

We must be extremely discreet; otherwise he will suspect something.

I should make a few discreet enquiries about the firm before you sign anything

You have to act discreetly (showing your judgment) especially when you are educated, and privileged.

Figuratively, a discreet perfume is one that is not too obvious.

“Certainly my life will not ever be as private and discreet, and perhaps I should even use the word insulated, as it was before.” –Anita Hill

“The modern designers are quite showy, and a lot of the young people really like it. Costume jewelry has always been about being noticed and not discreet.” –Judith Miller

Discrete is an adjective meaning separate, distinct, discrete particles, a serious of discrete events, individually, detached, disconnected, unattached. Derivatives of discrete are: discretely (adverb), discreteness (noun), and discretion (noun).

A series of discrete events affected the well being of his family.

Discrete particles are those that are distinct.

“Males do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual. The world is not to be divided into sheeps and goats. Not all things are black nor all things white.” –Alfred Kinsey

But discretion (noun) refers to the quality of being discreet i.e. showing good judgment (to act with discretion); this is a secret, but I know I can count on your discretion i.e. be sure you won’t tell anyone; freedom to decide for oneself what should be done (don’t keep asking me what to do, use your discretion); the age or years of discretion (maturity); age when one is considered able to judge and decide for oneself; at somebody’s discretion: on the basis of somebody’s judgment.

A supplementary grant may be awarded at the discretion of the committee.

Discretion is the better party of valour: there is no point in taking unnecessary risks.

Discretionary (adjective) means used or adopted when something is considered necessary.

The US President has discretionary powers unlike the Prime Minister of India.

Discretionary measures are adopted by families when in financial or emotional distress.

Discretionary payments are made to old and physically-challenged people in developed countries when they need State (government) support.