different between reflective vs discreet

English

Etymology

reflect +? -ive

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /???fl?kt?v/
• Rhymes: -?kt?v

Adjective

reflective (comparative more reflective, superlative most reflective)

1. That reflects, or redirects back to the source.

   Mirrors are reflective.

2. Pondering, especially thinking back on the past.

   He always becomes reflective in preparation for the new year.

3. That reveals or shows; revealing; indicative of.
4. (computing, programming) Involving reflection.
5. (grammar) Reciprocal.

Coordinate terms

• refractive

Derived terms

• reflectivity
• unreflective

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English discrete, from Old French discret, from Latin discr?tus, from past participle of discernere. Doublet of discrete.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d??sk?i?t/
• Rhymes: -i?t
• Homophone: discrete (separable into parts)

Adjective

discreet (comparative more discreet or discreeter, superlative most discreet or discreetest)

1. 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.

   John just doesn't understand that laughing at Mary all day is not very discreet.

2. Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.

Usage notes

• Although cognate and identical in the Middle English period, the term has become distinct from discrete.

Derived terms

• discreetly
• discretion

Translations

Anagrams

• desertic, discrete

Dutch

Etymology

From Middle Dutch discreet, from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discr?tus, from discern?.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d?s?kre?t/
• Hyphenation: dis?creet
• Rhymes: -e?t

Adjective

discreet (comparative discreter, superlative discreetst)

1. discreet (with discretion)
2. discrete (not continuous)

Inflection

Derived terms

• discretie