Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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.
It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the
learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation,
and gives measures to society. --Addison.
Satire 's my weapon, but I 'm too discreet To run
amuck, and tilt at all I meet. --Pope.
The sea is silent, the sea is discreet.
--Longfellow.
2. Differing; distinct. [Obs.] --Spenser. -- {Dis*creet"ly},
adv. -- {Dis*creet"ness}, n.
Source : WordNet®
discreetness
n 1: knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress; "the
servants showed great tact and discretion" [syn: {discretion},
{circumspection}, {prudence}]
2: subtly skillful handling of a situation [syn: {delicacy}, {diplomacy},
{finesse}]