How to pronounce discreet
Say it like dih-SKREET. Discreet has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKREET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce discreet. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- SKREET
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Discreet pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SKREETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of discreet
American and British speakers say discreet in essentially the same way: /dɪˈskrit/ in the US and /dɪˈskriːt/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-SKREET.
What does discreet mean?
- Respectful of privacy or secrecy; exercising caution in order to avoid causing embarrassment; quiet; diplomatic.“With a discreet gesture, she reminded him to mind his manners.”
- Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.
Where does discreet come from?
From Middle English discrete, from Old French discret, from Latin discrētus, from past participle of discernere.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with discreet
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of discreet.
Words that sound like discreet
Questions about saying discreet
How do you pronounce discreet?
Say dih-SKREET. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈskrit/. In British English it is /dɪˈskriːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in discreet?
Discreet has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKREET). Broken into parts: dih · SKREET.
Do Americans and Brits say discreet the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈskrit/ and the British form is /dɪˈskriːt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as discreet?
Discreet sounds the same as discrete in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.