Spell Discrete In English

Unconnected not to be confused with.

Spell discrete in english. Constituting a separate thing. While discreet is recorded slightly earlier both terms come into english in the 1300s. The consistent discrimination of the two senses by spelling with discrete corresponding more closely to classical latin in both form and meaning dates from the 18th century.

One way to remember the difference between the two is that the noun form of discreet is discretion. Discrete definition apart or detached from others. Discreet judicious in one s conduct or speech.

The adjective discrete is etymologically identical with discreet of which it was originally a simple spelling variant. In the 1500s discrete became more widespread and so the spelling discreet came to prevail for its sense.