Everyday · Commonly confused · Science & thinking
Discrete: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Discrete adjective. Separate and distinct from one another.
How to say it
dih-SKREET/dɪˈskriːt/
2 syllables, stressed on the second (SKREET).
Discrete in a sentence
The course is split into five discrete modules you can take in any order.
Digital audio stores sound as discrete samples rather than one smooth wave.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- separate
- distinct
- individual
- detached
Opposite:
- continuous
- connected
Usage note
Discrete means separate; discreet means tactful. The t splits the e's in discrete, keeping them separate.
Don’t confuse with discreet
discreet (adjective): Careful about what you say or do, so as not to embarrass anyone or give away secrets.
Where discrete comes from
From Latin discretus, separated, from discernere, to divide.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Digital audio stores sound as _____ samples rather than one smooth wave.
- discrete
- credulous
- complaisant
Show the answer
discrete: Digital audio stores sound as discrete samples rather than one smooth wave.