Monday Muddle: discreet, discrete

discreet: (adjective) secretive; careful; modest; self-restrained in speech and behaviour discrete: (adjective) separate; distinct; individual; detached; not continuous Here are the memory tricks I use to help me decide whether to use discreet or discrete. In discreet, which is used for keeping things quiet, the two Es are close together …

Monday Muddle: discreet, discrete

The trick I use to remember whether to use discreet or discrete is based on the placement of the Es. In discreet, which is used for keeping things quiet, the two Es are close together as if they are whispering in each other’s ears telling a secret. In discrete, which is used for things that are separate, the two Es are separated by a T. Let me know if that also helps you remember which is which.

Monday Muddle: discreet: (adjective) secretive; careful; modest; self-restrained in speech and behaviour discrete: (adjective) separate; distinct; individual; detached; not continuous