Discreetness

Discreetness
Discreet Dis*creet", a. [Compar. {Discreeter}; superl. {Discreetest}.] [F. discret, L. discretus separated (whence the meaning reserved, prudent), p. p. of discernere. See {Discern}, and cf. {Discrete}.] 1. Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends; prudent; sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious. [1913 Webster]

It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation, and gives measures to society. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

Satire 's my weapon, but I 'm too discreet To run amuck, and tilt at all I meet. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

The sea is silent, the sea is discreet. --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]

2. Differing; distinct. [Obs.] --Spenser. -- {Dis*creet"ly}, adv. -- {Dis*creet"ness}, n.


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

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  • discreetness — noun see discreet …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • discreetness — See discreetly. * * * …   Universalium

  • discreetness — noun The state or quality of being discreet …   Wiktionary

  • discreetness — n. prudence, circumspection; modesty, unobtrusiveness …   English contemporary dictionary

  • discreetness — dis·creet·ness …   English syllables

  • discreetness — noun 1. knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress the servants showed great tact and discretion • Syn: ↑discretion, ↑circumspection, ↑prudence • Derivationally related forms: ↑prudent (for: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • wonder — n 1 Wonder, marvel, prodigy, miracle, phenomenon can all mean something that causes astonishment or admiration. Wonder applies specifically to whatever excites surprise, astonishment, or amazement (as by its perfection, its greatness, or its… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • circumspection — noun 1. knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress the servants showed great tact and discretion • Syn: ↑discretion, ↑discreetness, ↑prudence • Derivationally related forms: ↑prudent (for: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • prudence — noun 1. discretion in practical affairs (Freq. 1) • Ant: ↑imprudence • Derivationally related forms: ↑prudential • Hypernyms: ↑discretion, ↑discernment, ↑natur …   Useful english dictionary

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