Private vs. Discreet — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
"Private" refers to something confidential or not to be shared with the public, while "discreet" implies being careful or judicious in one's conduct or speech, especially to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage.
Difference Between Private and Discreet
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Key Differences
"Private" pertains to keeping certain information, spaces, or activities away from public view, ensuring that access is limited to certain people only, whereas "discreet" involves the manner in which one handles sensitive situations, ensuring subtlety and tact to maintain secrecy or privacy.
A private setting, like a private meeting, is intended to be confined to a specific group, without outsider interference, while a discreet action involves carrying out something in a way that minimizes attention, such as discreetly passing a note in class.
Being private can include a broad range of actions from having a private conversation to owning private property, which are meant to be accessible or known to a select few; on the other hand, being discreet often involves communication and behavior that are intentionally measured to avoid drawing attention or revealing sensitive information.
Privacy can be legally protected, such as private records or private correspondence that others cannot legally access without permission, while discretion can refer to personal qualities of judgment, implying a choice about when and how to share information or make decisions that might impact privacy.
Private is often used in contexts where the emphasis is on the right to confidentiality and seclusion, whereas discreet is more about the method or approach taken to preserve that confidentiality or to conduct oneself under the radar.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to or confined to a person or group, not public.
Careful and circumspect in one’s speech or actions.
Usage
Describes confidentiality, exclusivity.
Describes subtlety, judiciousness in behavior or speech.
Context Examples
Private documents, private life.
Discreet inquiry, discreet remark.
Legal Relevance
Privacy laws protect private information.
Discretion can refer to how information is tactfully handled.
Outcome Focus
Ensuring information or space is not accessed by unauthorized persons.
Ensuring actions or communication do not attract undue attention.
Compare with Definitions
Private
Private pertains to something that is intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person or group.
She kept her personal diary in a private drawer.
Discreet
Discreet assistance may be offered to avoid embarrassing the recipient.
The donations were made discreetly to protect the beneficiaries’ dignity.
Private
A private conversation is held where others cannot hear to maintain confidentiality.
They had a private discussion about the contract details.
Discreet
Being discreet involves showing prudence and circumspection in one’s behavior or speech.
He was discreet about his plans to leave the company.
Private
Private lessons involve one-on-one instruction, not open to public enrollment.
He took private piano lessons at the teacher’s home.
Discreet
Discreet inquiries help gather information without raising alarms.
The investigator made some discreet inquiries in the neighborhood.
Private
Private healthcare is an option where services are offered beyond the reach of governmental provision.
Many opt for private healthcare for faster service.
Discreet
Discreet packaging is used to avoid revealing the contents of a package publicly.
The medication arrived in a discreet package.
Private
Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only
His private plane
All bedrooms have private facilities
Discreet
A discreet gesture can communicate much without drawing public attention.
She gave a discreet nod to indicate her agreement.
Private
(of a person) having no official or public role or position
The paintings were sold to a private collector
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
(of a service or industry) provided or owned by an individual or an independent, commercial company rather than the state
This research was carried out by private industry
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
The lowest rank in the army, below lance corporal or private first class.
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
Short for private parts
Discreet
Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.
Private
Secluded from the sight, presence, or intrusion of others
A private hideaway.
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
Designed or intended for one's exclusive use
A private room.
Discreet
Differing; distinct.
Private
Of or confined to the individual; personal
A private joke.
Private opinions.
Discreet
Marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint;
His trusted discreet aide
A discreet, finely wrought gold necklace
Private
Undertaken on an individual basis
Private studies.
Private research.
Discreet
Unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic;
A discerning editor
A discreet silence
Private
Of, relating to, or receiving special hospital services and privileges
A private patient.
Discreet
Heedful of potential consequences;
Circumspect actions
Physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use
A discreet investor
Private
Not available for public use, control, or participation
A private club.
A private party.
Private
Belonging to a particular person or persons, as opposed to the public or the government
Private property.
Private
Of, relating to, or derived from nongovernment sources
Private funding.
Private
Conducted and supported primarily by individuals or groups not affiliated with governmental agencies or corporations
A private college.
A private sanatorium.
Private
Enrolled in or attending a private school
A private student.
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.
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
Private property is owned by individuals legally and is not open for public use.
No trespassing signs are common on private properties.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when something is private?
Something private is meant to be kept away from the public and is intended for certain people only, often protected by confidentiality.
Why is discretion important in professional settings?
Discretion is vital in professional settings to maintain confidentiality, protect sensitive information, and handle interpersonal relationships tactfully.
Is privacy always legally protected?
Privacy is often legally protected, but the extent and specifics can vary depending on jurisdiction and the context, such as personal data protection laws.
What’s the difference between a private school and a discreet school?
A private school is independently funded and managed, typically offering restricted access based on enrollment, whereas there's no common term "discreet school"; discretion would more likely refer to how the school manages information or situations.
How do privacy and discretion interact in digital communications?
In digital communications, privacy involves securing messages so they are not accessible by unauthorized parties, while discretion involves careful consideration of what to share and how to share it.
How do you act discreetly?
Acting discreetly involves being cautious and wise in managing one’s actions and words to avoid attracting attention or revealing sensitive information.
Can a private conversation also require discretion?
Yes, a private conversation can also require discretion, especially if the information discussed is sensitive and could have consequences if leaked.
Can a public figure maintain a private life?
Yes, a public figure can maintain a private life, though it may require more effort to secure personal boundaries and privacy settings.
What are some examples of being discreet in everyday life?
Examples include speaking in a lowered voice when discussing personal matters in public, or choosing not to share someone else's secrets even among friends.
What are the consequences of failing to be discreet?
Failing to be discreet can lead to unintended information leaks, damage to reputations, and potential breaches of trust or privacy.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
