Confusables Entry 396 / 1011 60-second read

Discreet vs. Discrete

Tactful versus separate.

The comparisoni

✗ Wrong

We filed the papers in discreet folders.

✓ Correct

We filed the papers in discrete folders.

The ruleii

DISCREET = tactful. DISCRETE = separate.

DISCREET means careful, prudent, able to keep a secret. DISCRETE means individually distinct — not joined.

Memory aidiii

Remember it like this

DiscrEEt keeps secrEts close togEther. DiscrEtE separatEs thE pieces.

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