discreetly

comparative more discreetly · superlative most discreetly

1. Acting in a discreet manner; acting in a way that respects privacy or secrecy; quietly.

   Mao was animated and following every nuance of the conversation, but I could see that he was also becoming very tired. Chou had been discreetly glancing at his watch with increasing frequency, so I decided that I should try to bring the session to a close.

   1978, Richard Nixon, RN: the Memoirs of Richard Nixon, Grosset & Dunlap, →ISBN, page 563

   Synonyms: prudently, circumspectly, tactfully, cautiously, delicately · Antonyms: indiscreetly, bluntly, openly, tactlessly

2. Inconspicuously.

   A Forest Trail and wild life hides lie 2 miles to the north-east. Blue hares, deer, wild geese, herons and duck can be discreetly observed from the hides.

   1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 382, about Tighnabruaich

   1 more example

   And, placed discreetly among these commonplaces, a few pieces of genuine quality, bizarrely distinguished by craftsmanship from the vulgar products of the machine.

   1950, Norman Lindsay, Dust or Polish?, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 150