Discreet vs. Secret — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
Discreet emphasizes prudence and cautiousness in one's actions or speech to avoid embarrassment or attention, while secret refers to something intentionally kept hidden or unknown.
Difference Between Discreet and Secret
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Discreet involves being judicious in one's actions or speech to ensure privacy or avoid causing embarrassment, often implying a thoughtful consideration of circumstances. On the other hand, a secret is something that is deliberately kept hidden or undisclosed, aiming to keep certain information, facts, or actions away from the knowledge of others.
Discreet actions often relate to the method or approach taken in sensitive situations, highlighting the importance of tact and diplomacy. Secrets, in contrast, focus on the content that is being concealed rather than the manner of interaction.
While discreet actions can sometimes involve keeping secrets, the essence of discretion lies in the manner of conduct, emphasizing thoughtful and prudent behavior. Secrets require active concealment and the decision not to disclose certain information, which can sometimes involve elaborate measures to ensure that the information remains hidden.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Being careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions
Something intentionally kept hidden
Focus
Manner of handling information or situations
Content that is deliberately concealed
ADVERTISEMENT
Purpose
To avoid embarrassment or attention
To prevent certain information from being known
Nature
Relates to actions or behavior
Relates to information or facts
Application
Involves tact and diplomacy in communication
Involves withholding information or details
Compare with Definitions
Discreet
Characterized by caution or moderation.
They shared a discreet nod, understanding each other perfectly.
Secret
A valid but not commonly known or recognized method of achieving or maintaining something.
The secret to a happy life is contentment.
Discreet
Showing prudence and careful judgment in one's actions or speech.
She was discreet about her plans to avoid unnecessary drama.
Secret
Designed to elude observation or detection.
The agency operates through secret channels.
Discreet
Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
Their discreet investment choices paid off in the long run.
Secret
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
The recipe for the sauce is a family secret.
Discreet
Intentionally unobtrusive.
He made a discreet exit during the meeting to answer a call.
Secret
Not known or seen or meant to be known or seen by others.
She kept her decision to leave a secret until the last moment.
Discreet
Suggesting a careful avoidance of causing embarrassment.
Her discreet inquiry into the matter resolved the issue without fuss.
Secret
Information that is restricted to a particular person or group.
The documents were marked as secret and confidential.
Discreet
Possessed of, exercising, or showing prudence and self-restraint in speech and behavior; circumspect
The teacher was discreet in discussing the student's behavior. We followed him but kept a discreet distance.
Secret
Not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others
How did you guess I'd got a secret plan?
The resupply effort was probably kept secret from Congress
Discreet
Made, done, or situated so as to attract little notice
Made a discreet exit out the back door.
Lovers seeking a discreet place to meet.
Secret
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others
A state secret
At first I tried to keep it a secret from my wife
Discreet
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.
Secret
Kept hidden from knowledge or view; concealed
A secret identity.
A secret passageway.
Discreet
Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.
Secret
Not expressed; inward
Secret desires.
Discreet
Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends; prudent; sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious.
It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation, and gives measures to society.
Satire 's my weapon, but I 'm too discreetTo run amuck, and tilt at all I meet.
The sea is silent, the sea is discreet.
Secret
Given to keeping one's thoughts and activities unknown to others; secretive
"Scrooge ... was secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster" (Charles Dickens).
Discreet
Differing; distinct.
Secret
Not revealing a secret or not given to revealing secrets
"She boasted ... that he did tell her. But he didn't. He was secret as the grave" (Ruth Prawer Jhabvala).
Discreet
Marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint;
His trusted discreet aide
A discreet, finely wrought gold necklace
Secret
Operating in a hidden or confidential manner
A secret commission.
A secret agent.
Discreet
Unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic;
A discerning editor
A discreet silence
Secret
Containing information, the unauthorized disclosure of which poses a grave threat to national security.
Discreet
Heedful of potential consequences;
Circumspect actions
Physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use
A discreet investor
Secret
Not much visited; secluded
A secret hiding place.
Secret
Known or shared only by the initiated
Secret rites.
Secret
Beyond ordinary understanding; mysterious
"like Pan, calling out with his flute to come join in on the secret chaos of the world" (Rick Bass).
Secret
Something that is kept out of the knowledge or sight of others or is known only to oneself or a few
Wanted to have no secrets between them.
Secret
Something that remains beyond understanding or explanation; a mystery
Unlocking the secrets of the atom.
Secret
A method or formula for doing or making something well, especially when not widely known
The secret of this dish is in the sauce.
Secret
Secret A variable prayer said after the Offertory and before the Preface in the Mass.
Secret
(countable) A piece of knowledge that is hidden and intended to be kept hidden.
"Can you keep a secret?" "Yes." "So can I."
Secret
The key or principle by which something is made clear; the knack.
The secret to a long-lasting marriage is compromise.
Secret
Something not understood or known.
Secret
(uncountable) Private seclusion.
The work was done in secret, so that nobody could object.
Secret
The genital organs.
Secret
(historical) A form of steel skullcap.
Secret
Any prayer spoken inaudibly and not aloud; especially, one of the prayers in the Mass, immediately following the "orate, fratres", said inaudibly by the celebrant.
Secret
Being or kept hidden.
We went down a secret passage.
Secret
(obsolete) Withdrawn from general intercourse or notice; in retirement or secrecy; secluded.
Secret
(obsolete) Faithful to a secret; not inclined to divulge or betray confidence; secretive, separate, apart.
Secret
(obsolete) Separate; distinct.
Secret
(transitive) To make or keep secret.
Secret
(transitive) To hide secretly.
He was so scared for his safety he secreted arms around the house.
Secret
Hidden; concealed; as, secret treasure; secret plans; a secret vow.
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us.
Secret
Withdrawn from general intercourse or notice; in retirement or secrecy; secluded.
There, secret in her sapphire cell,He with the Naïs wont to dwell.
Secret
Faithful to a secret; not inclined to divulge or betray confidence; secretive.
Secret Romans, that have spoke the word,And will not palter.
Secret
Separate; distinct.
They suppose two other divine hypostases superior thereunto, which were perfectly secret from matter.
Secret
Something studiously concealed; a thing kept from general knowledge; what is not revealed, or not to be revealed.
To tell our own secrets is often folly; to communicate those of others is treachery.
Secret
A thing not discovered; what is unknown or unexplained; a mystery.
All secrets of the deep, all nature's works.
Secret
The parts which modesty and propriety require to be concealed; the genital organs.
Bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
Secret
To keep secret.
Secret
Something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on);
The combination to the safe was a secret
He tried to keep his drinking a secret
Secret
Information known only to a special group;
The secret of Cajun cooking
Secret
Something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained;
How it got out is a mystery
It remains one of nature's secrets
Secret
Not open or public; kept private or not revealed;
A secret formula
Secret ingredients
Secret talks
Secret
Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods;
Clandestine intelligence operations
Cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines
Hole-and-corner intrigue
Secret missions
A secret agent
Secret sales of arms
Surreptitious mobilization of troops
An undercover investigation
Underground resistance
Secret
Not openly made known;
A secret marriage
A secret bride
Secret
Communicated covertly;
Their a secret signal was a wink
Secret messages
Secret
Not expressed;
Secret (or private) thoughts
Secret
Designed to elude detection;
A hidden room or place of concealment such as a priest hole
A secret passage
The secret compartment in the desk
Secret
Hidden from general view or use;
A privy place to rest and think
A secluded romantic spot
A secret garden
Secret
(of information) given in confidence or in secret;
Closet information
This arrangement must be kept confidential
Their secret communications
Secret
Indulging only covertly;
A closet alcoholic
Closet liberals
Secret
Having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding;
Mysterious symbols
The mystical style of Blake
Occult lore
The secret learning of the ancients
Secret
The next to highest level of official classification for documents
Common Curiosities
What makes an action discreet?
An action is considered discreet when it is performed thoughtfully and cautiously to avoid drawing attention or causing embarrassment.
How do secrets impact relationships?
Secrets can both protect and harm relationships, depending on their nature and the reasons for keeping them. While some secrets are kept to protect others, undisclosed information can sometimes lead to mistrust.
Why is being discreet valued?
Being discreet is valued because it demonstrates respect for privacy, sensitivity to others' feelings, and the ability to navigate complex social situations thoughtfully.
Can a secret be discreet?
Yes, the handling of a secret can be discreet, emphasizing the careful and considerate manner in which the secret is kept or shared.
What is the importance of keeping a secret?
Keeping a secret is important for protecting privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and sometimes ensuring the safety and security of individuals or information.
Is it possible to be too discreet?
Being overly discreet can sometimes be misconstrued as evasive or secretive, potentially leading to misunderstandings.
Are all secrets negative?
Not all secrets are negative. Some are kept to protect privacy, maintain surprises, or safeguard sensitive information.
Is discretion always related to secrets?
Not always. Discretion can involve any action taken with care and thought to avoid negative consequences, not just the handling of secrets.
How does discretion affect communication?
Discretion affects communication by encouraging the thoughtful choice of words and timing, ensuring messages are conveyed respectfully and effectively.
How do cultures view secrets and discretion differently?
Cultural norms influence perceptions of secrecy and discretion, with some cultures valuing openness and others emphasizing the importance of privacy and restraint.
How do personal values affect one's approach to secrets and discretion?
Personal values play a significant role in how individuals handle secrets and exercise discretion, influencing decisions on what to share and with whom.
Can a secret be unintentional?
While most secrets are intentional, there can be instances where information remains unknown to others unintentionally, thereby becoming a secret by circumstance.
Why might someone choose to reveal a secret?
A person might reveal a secret for reasons of conscience, the need for support, or the belief that the information should no longer be concealed.
Can being too secretive have negative consequences?
Excessive secrecy can lead to isolation, mistrust, and misunderstandings, potentially harming personal relationships and professional collaborations.
Can discretion lead to exclusion?
If misapplied, discretion can lead to the exclusion of individuals from discussions or decisions, potentially causing feelings of isolation or mistrust.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Harbor vs. Pier
Next Comparison
Promenade vs. PromAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
