This week we continue our vocabulary-building series, “The Closing Word.” Each week we provide a new word to help build your vocabulary and show you how to specifically implement it in business. A well-spoken, intelligent agent inspires confidence with clients and colleagues alike.
Today we’re going to look at a pair of words which are often mistakenly used interchangeably: discreet and discrete
Both pronounced: (dis-KREET)
discreet (adjective): 1. Careful and circumspect in one’s speech or actions, esp. to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. 2. Intentionally unobtrusive.
discrete (adjective): Individually separate and distinct.
Examples:
Discreet: “When it comes to negotiations, I am as discreet as the situation demands. I never reveal more than what is absolutely required to move the discussion forward.”
Discrete: “The home includes a renovated mother-in-law suite with a discrete entrance along the side of the house. If you choose to rent it out, you won’t be bothered by your tenants coming and going at all hours.”