discreetly

Everyday

1. Carefully and quietly, so that other people do not notice or are not embarrassed. tree →
2. In a way that keeps a secret or private matter private. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and everyday manners, people act discreetly to avoid embarrassing others, like passing a note or telling a friend their zip is open; phrases: «discreetly left the room», «discreetly mentioned».

Examples

• She discreetly told him there was spinach in his teeth. tree →
• The waiter discreetly put the bill on the table. tree →
• Dad discreetly wiped a tear from his eye. tree →
• Please leave discreetly if you need the toilet during the show. tree →
• The detective discreetly followed the man. tree →
• The teacher discreetly helped Sam with his shoelaces. tree →
• He discreetly checked his phone under the table. tree →

Note

From discreet (careful, private). Trap: «discreet» (careful) and «discrete» (separate) sound the same but are different words. Adverb form: discreetly (double e).