Private vs. Discreet: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
Private pertains to something belonging to a person or not publicly accessible, while Discreet refers to being careful or unobtrusive in one's actions or words to avoid attention.
Key Differences
Private is a term that primarily connotes something that belongs uniquely to an individual or a specific entity. It implies a sense of exclusivity, often away from public scrutiny or access. For instance, a private room in a hotel means it's reserved for the use of a particular guest. On the other hand, Discreet indicates an approach or behavior that is intentionally unobtrusive, subtle, or cautious, especially to avoid drawing attention or causing offense.
Discreet also carries with it an element of wisdom and judiciousness in action or speech. For example, if someone shares sensitive information with another and expects that person not to reveal it, they want the recipient to be discreet. Private, in contrast, would refer more to the nature of the information itself being personal or confidential.
If you were to attend a private function, it means that it's not open to the general public and only specific people are invited. It speaks of the nature of the event. Whereas if someone advises you to be discreet at a function, they are suggesting that you act or speak in a way that doesn't draw unnecessary attention or cause disruption.
To elucidate further, Private settings, information, or belongings are often guarded or kept away from the general view or reach. A private collection of art, for instance, is one that's not on public display. Discreet, however, guides the manner in which one conducts themselves, suggesting subtlety, prudence, and sometimes secrecy. If you're discreet in acquiring art, you might do so without broadcasting your purchases.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Belonging to an individual or entity, not public.
Being careful or unobtrusive in actions/words.
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Focus
Nature or status of something.
Manner or approach of an action.
Use in Context
Refers to ownership or exclusivity.
Refers to behavior or conduct.
Typical Usage
Private property, private life.
Discreet inquiries, discreet glance.
Primary Meaning
Something kept away from general view or use.
Acting with prudence, subtlety, or secrecy.
Private and Discreet Definitions
Private
Relating to one's personal life.
I'd rather keep my health issues private.
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Discreet
Modest or unnoticeable.
She wore a discreet necklace for the formal event.
Private
Not connected to official or public capacities.
He made a private donation to the charity.
Discreet
Being cautious to protect privacy or secrecy.
Be discreet when discussing the confidential contract.
Private
Relating to a single individual or entity.
This is a private enterprise, not government-owned.
Discreet
Careful in speech or action to avoid causing offense or to gain advantage.
He made a discreet inquiry about the job vacancy.
Private
Secluded from the sight, presence, or intrusion of others
A private hideaway.
Discreet
Intentionally unobtrusive.
The security cameras were discreet, almost invisible.
Private
Designed or intended for one's exclusive use
A private room.
Discreet
Showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and speech.
She was discreet in her dealings with the media.
Private
Of or confined to the individual; personal
A private joke.
Private opinions.
Discreet
Possessed of, exercising, or showing prudence and self-restraint in speech and behavior; circumspect
The teacher was discreet in discussing the student's behavior. We followed him but kept a discreet distance.
Private
Undertaken on an individual basis
Private studies.
Private research.
Discreet
Made, done, or situated so as to attract little notice
Made a discreet exit out the back door.
Lovers seeking a discreet place to meet.
Private
Of, relating to, or receiving special hospital services and privileges
A private patient.
Discreet
Respectful of privacy or secrecy; exercising caution in order to avoid causing embarrassment; 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.
Private
Not available for public use, control, or participation
A private club.
A private party.
Discreet
Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.
Private
Belonging to a particular person or persons, as opposed to the public or the government
Private property.
Discreet
Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends; prudent; sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious.
It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation, and gives measures to society.
Satire 's my weapon, but I 'm too discreetTo run amuck, and tilt at all I meet.
The sea is silent, the sea is discreet.
Private
Of, relating to, or derived from nongovernment sources
Private funding.
Discreet
Differing; distinct.
Private
Conducted and supported primarily by individuals or groups not affiliated with governmental agencies or corporations
A private college.
A private sanatorium.
Discreet
Marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint;
His trusted discreet aide
A discreet, finely wrought gold necklace
Private
Enrolled in or attending a private school
A private student.
Discreet
Unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic;
A discerning editor
A discreet silence
Private
Capitalized in shares of stock that are held by a relatively small number of owners and are not traded on the open market
A private company.
A company that went private.
Took a company private.
Discreet
Heedful of potential consequences;
Circumspect actions
Physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use
A discreet investor
Private
Not holding an official or public position
A private citizen.
Private
Not for public knowledge or disclosure; secret
Private papers.
A private communication.
Private
Not appropriate for use or display in public; intimate
Private behavior.
A private tragedy.
Private
Placing a high value on personal privacy
A private person.
Private
A noncommissioned rank in the US Army or Marine Corps that is below private first class.
Private
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
Private
Privates Private parts. Often used with the.
Private
Belonging to, concerning, or accessible only to an individual person or a specific group.
Her address is private; you can't have it.
Private papers
Private
Not accessible by the public.
Private property
Private
Not in governmental office or employment.
He quit public life, living quietly as a private citizen.
Private
Not publicly known; not open; secret.
The identity of the beneficiaries of the trust is private.
Private
Protected from view or disturbance by others; secluded.
Can we go somewhere more private?
Private
Not traded by the public.
Private corporation
Private
Secretive; reserved.
He is a very private person.
Private
Not shared with another patient.
Private
Accessible only to the class itself or instances of it, and not to other classes or even subclasses.
Private
A soldier of the lowest rank in the army.
Private
A doctor working in privately rather than publicly funded health care.
Private
The genitals.
Private
(obsolete) A secret message; a personal unofficial communication.
Private
(obsolete) Personal interest; particular business.
Private
(obsolete) Privacy; retirement.
Private
(obsolete) One not invested with a public office.
Private
A private lesson.
If you want to learn ballet, consider taking privates.
Private
To make something hidden from the public (without deleting it permanently).
Private
Belonging to, or concerning, an individual person, company, or interest; peculiar to one's self; unconnected with others; personal; one's own; not public; not general; separate; as, a man's private opinion; private property; a private purse; private expenses or interests; a private secretary.
Private
Sequestered from company or observation; appropriated to an individual; secret; secluded; lonely; solitary; as, a private room or apartment; private prayer.
Reason . . . then retiresInto her private cell when nature rests.
Private
Not invested with, or engaged in, public office or employment; as, a private citizen; private life.
A private person may arrest a felon.
Private
Not publicly known; not open; secret; as, a private negotiation; a private understanding.
Private
Having secret or private knowledge; privy.
Private
A secret message; a personal unofficial communication.
Private
Personal interest; particular business.
Nor must I be unmindful of my private.
Private
Privacy; retirement.
Private
One not invested with a public office.
What have kings, that privates have not too?
Private
A common soldier; a soldier below the grade of a noncommissioned officer.
Private
The private parts; the genitals.
Private
An enlisted man of the lowest rank;
Our prisoner was just a private and knew nothing of value
Private
Confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy;
A private place
Private discussions
Private lessons
A private club
A private secretary
Private property
The former President is now a private citizen
Public figures struggle to maintain a private life
Private
Concerning things deeply private and personal;
Private correspondence
Private family matters
Private
Concerning one person exclusively;
We all have individual cars
Each room has a private bath
Private
Not expressed;
Secret (or private) thoughts
Private
Not publicly available; exclusive to specific people.
The beach is private, reserved only for hotel guests.
Private
Secluded from the presence or view of others.
She retreated to a private corner to read her book.
FAQs
What does Private primarily imply?
Private primarily indicates something exclusive to an individual or not publicly accessible.
What's a discreet gesture?
A gesture done subtly, without drawing much attention.
How does Discreet relate to behavior?
Discreet refers to being careful, subtle, or cautious in actions or speech.
Can a public place have private areas?
Yes, a public place like a restaurant might have private dining rooms.
When should one be discreet?
One should be discreet when subtlety or confidentiality is required.
Is a private room open to everyone?
No, a private room is reserved and not open to everyone.
Can a public figure have a private life?
Yes, aspects of their life they choose not to share publicly.
What's a private institution?
A private institution is independently funded, not by the government.
Can someone be discreet online?
Yes, by avoiding oversharing or posting sensitive information.
What's the opposite of private in context to ownership?
Public, as in public vs. private ownership.
Can discretion be viewed negatively?
Sometimes, if seen as sneaky or deceptive.
Can information be both private and discreet?
Yes, if it's confidential (private) and shared subtly (discreetly).
Is being discreet always about secrecy?
No, it can also be about subtlety or avoiding offense.
Is a private collection open for public viewing?
Typically no, a private collection is for the owner's viewing or select individuals.
Are private schools funded by the government?
Typically, private schools are independently funded, not by the government.
What's a synonym for discreet?
Tactful or cautious can be synonyms for discreet.
Are private messages visible to all?
No, private messages are typically seen only by the sender and recipient.
Why might someone need to be discreet at work?
To protect business secrets or avoid office gossip.
What's a discreet way to inquire about a sensitive topic?
Asking gently, in private, and ensuring the other person feels safe.
How can businesses be discreet?
By protecting client information and handling matters confidentially.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
