discreetly

[ dih-skreet-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is careful about something of a personal or delicate nature; circumspectly:

   These protocols allow patients to have private conversations with caregivers in which their questions can be answered discreetly.

2. in a way that is not conspicuous or obvious; unobtrusively:

   The building is historic, as explained on the understated bronze plaque displayed discreetly in the entryway.

Other Words From

• o·ver·dis·creet·ly adverb
• qua·si-dis·creet·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of discreetly¹

discreet ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Upon hearing the code word, employees are meant to discreetly intervene, helping the person get to safety by reuniting them with friends, calling a taxi, or contacting the police if necessary.

From BBC

At a recent bilingual candidate debate, De León spoke mostly in rapid-fire Spanish, while Jurado, relying on an interpreter and a discreetly hidden earpiece, gave all but her final remarks in English.

From Los Angeles Times

With her young daughter, she makes her way by bus and train, but as she approaches the school where she works, she discreetly removes her headscarf under the hood of her coat.

From BBC

The orchestra, discreetly visible on the set’s upper level, brings out the vibrancy of Tom Kitt’s arrangements and orchestrations.

From Los Angeles Times

And getting rid of all of those unhappy with her would have been difficult too – firstly, there were quite a few of them, and secondly finding them would not have been easy, as they had been making their feelings known discreetly.

From BBC

Related Words

• anxiously
• attentively
• conscientiously
• correctly
• deliberately
• delicately
• faithfully
• fully
• gingerly
• laboriously
• meticulously
• precisely
• prudently
• rigorously
• scrupulously
• thoroughly
• thoughtfully
• warily