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Discreet vs Astute - What's the difference?

discreet | astute |

As adjectives the difference between discreet and astute

is that discreet is respectful of privacy or secrecy; quiet; diplomatic while astute is quickly and critically discerning.

discreet

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Respectful of privacy or secrecy; 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 .
  • Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.

    • Usage notes

    * Do not confuse with discrete .

    Derived terms

    * discreetly * discretion

    Anagrams

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    astute

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • quickly and critically discerning
  • shrewd or crafty
  • * 2014 , A teacher, " Choosing a primary school: a teacher's guide for parents", The Guardian , 23 September 2014:
    • The best headteachers are like submarine captains – cool-headed, astute decision-makers – who trust their colleagues and surroundings to indicate where their ship is headed.

    Synonyms

    * crafty, shrewd, wily

    Derived terms

    * astutely * astuteness

    Anagrams

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