Private vs. Discreet

Private vs. Discreet — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Private and Discreet

Privateadjective

Belonging to, concerning, or accessible only to an individual person or a specific group.

Her address is private; you can't have it.private papers

Discreetadjective

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.

Privateadjective

Not accessible by the public.

private property

Discreetadjective

Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.

Privateadjective

Not in governmental office or employment.

He quit public life, living quietly as a private citizen.

Discreetadjective

marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint;

his trusted discreet aidea discreet, finely wrought gold necklace
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Privateadjective

Not publicly known; not open; secret.

The identity of the beneficiaries of the trust is private.

Discreetadjective

unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic;

a discerning editora discreet silence

Privateadjective

Protected from view or disturbance by others; secluded.

Can we go somewhere more private?

Discreetadjective

heedful of potential consequences;

circumspect actionsphysicians are now more circumspect about recommending its usea discreet investor

Privateadjective

Not traded by the public.

private corporation

Privateadjective

Secretive; reserved.

He is a very private person.
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Privateadjective

Not shared with another patient.

Privatenoun

A soldier of the lowest rank in the army.

Privatenoun

The genitals.

Privatenoun

(obsolete) A secret message; a personal unofficial communication.

Privatenoun

(obsolete) Personal interest; particular business.

Privatenoun

(obsolete) Privacy; retirement.

Privatenoun

(obsolete) One not invested with a public office.

Privatenoun

A private lesson.

If you want to learn ballet, consider taking privates.

Privatenoun

an enlisted man of the lowest rank;

our prisoner was just a private and knew nothing of value

Privateadjective

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy;

a private placeprivate discussionsprivate lessonsa private cluba private secretaryprivate propertythe former President is now a private citizenpublic figures struggle to maintain a private life

Privateadjective

concerning things deeply private and personal;

private correspondenceprivate family matters

Privateadjective

concerning one person exclusively;

we all have individual carseach room has a private bath

Privateadjective

not expressed;

secret (or private) thoughts