Spelling.School · How to spell

How to spell discrete

What it means: Separate or distinct entities.

In a sentence: The puzzle pieces are in discrete shapes. ▶

The part people get wrong

Often misspelled as discreet or decrete.

Sounds like, but is not: discreet. Same sound, different spelling and meaning.

Same family: discretely, discreteness, distinct, separate, discrete-math. If you can spell one, the shared part carries to the others.

Where it comes from: “Discrete” comes from Latin *discretus*, meaning ‘separated’ or ‘distinguished’, the same source as the word “discreet.” Although they look and sound almost the same, “discrete” means ‘separate or distinct,’ while “discreet” means ‘careful or tactful,’ so spelling really changes the meaning here.

Try spelling it

You will hear the word and a sentence. Type it and press Enter. Then four more words from the same level, so you know where you stand.

Words like this

illicit · seize · deceive · council · elude · elicit · counsel · discreet

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