While reading an agent website I came across the word “discrete.” It looked wrong, so of course I looked it up.
What I found was that the agent probably intended to write “discreet.” But then, I thought even that was not the word that fit the sentence. I think that since the agent was talking about a listing consultation, the word should have been “confidential.”
What do you think?
- Discrete means distinct or unconnected; constituting a separate entity
- Discreet means inconspicuous, intentionally unobtrusive, proper, or private.
The “private” part fits.. However, I think “confidential” is still a better choice, because it conveys the message that you won’t be talking about the seller or his/her plans after the meeting.
To me the word “discreet” has connotations that are more related to “clandestine,” which often relates to illicit behavior. With that in mind, I think we should consider the reader and what the connotation (for any of the words we use) might be in his or her mind.
You choose: discreet or confidential. Just stay away from discrete because it simply doesn’t make sense in that context.
graphic courtesy of Stuart Miles @freedigitalphotos.net
