discreetly
word
Definition
In a way that is careful to avoid attracting attention or causing embarrassment.
Usage & Nuances
'Discreetly' is often used with actions meant to be subtle, private, or sensitive. Common collocations: 'ask discreetly', 'discreetly leave', 'discreetly handle'. Not to be confused with 'discretely' (meaning separately). It suggests carefulness and respect for privacy.
Spanish: discretamentePortuguese (BR): discretamentePortuguese (PT): discretamenteChinese (Simplified): 悄悄地 - 谨慎地Chinese (Traditional): 悄悄地 - 謹慎地Hindi: सावधानी से - चुपचापArabic: بهدوء - بسريةBengali: গোপনে - নিঃশব্দে - সাবধানেRussian: незаметно - деликатно - осторожноJapanese: さりげなく - 目立たないようにVietnamese: một cách kín đáo - một cách tế nhịKorean: 조심스럽게 - 눈에 띄지 않게Turkish: dikkatlice - gizlice - çaktırmadanUrdu: احتیاط سے - چپکے سےIndonesian: secara diam-diam - dengan hati-hati
Example Sentences
She discreetly passed him a note in class.
basic
Please discreetly ask if anyone needs help.
basic
He discreetly left the meeting before it ended.
basic
Can you discreetly find out what happened without making a big deal?
natural
They discreetly exchanged glances during the conversation.
natural
If you see something wrong, let me know discreetly so we don’t make things awkward.
natural