Grammar 101: Discrete and DiscreetApril 10th, 2009 by Michael
Kwan For many of these Grammar 101 posts, I’ve focused on the
confusion between a pair of seemingly similar words, like
compliment and complement. Today, we’re doing that again by
discussing the difference between discrete and discreet. In
terms of spelling, the only difference is that the final two
letters are transposed. In terms of meaning, the words are
worlds apart. Discrete is defined as being a separate entity or
part. A discrete element is distinctly separated from the other
elements. The American flag is composed of three discrete
colors: red, white, and blue. These three colors are completely
separate and independent. The colors of the rainbow, by
contrast, are not quite discrete, because they blend into one
another. They are not distinctly independent and separated from
one another. Discreet, by contrast, refers to a respect for
privacy or secrecy. Some definitions will say that it also
refers to modesty or prudence, but more widespread