Jamie Balfour

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Discreet vs discrete

I don't make enough of these writing tips it would seem. But for those who want to know the difference between discrete and discreet, here's a little attempt from me to explain it to you.

So we talk about several discrete things like a discrete graphics card or in my case discrete mathematics. We use the discrete with a t between the two es. This is because the meaning of discrete is totally different from discreet. This form of discrete means for something to be individual or disconnected, detached or distinct. In terms of our graphics card you can see how this the case since integrated graphics are a physical part of the system (and nowadays included in nearly every system) and cannot be added after. Discrete graphics on the other is distinct and disconnected or individual from the rest of the system, in fact it's actually a whole system on it own that has all the parts to be able to operate on its own.

Discreet on the other hand is associated with being unnoticed or concealed. For instance, during a talk you may be told to go and find someone but to make it discreet. 

Both of these words are totally different but knowing when to use the correct form is very important. 

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