This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Portuguese
Vocabulary
discretamente

A2 adverb 10 min read

discretamente

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips discretamente in 30 Seconds

Explanation discretamente in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to build your vocabulary. You might not use 'discretamente' often, but it is a great word to help you understand how adverbs work in Portuguese. In Portuguese, many adverbs end in '-mente', which is just like the '-ly' ending in English. So, 'discretamente' is 'discreetly'. You can use it for very simple actions, like walking quietly or talking in a low voice. Even at this stage, knowing this word helps you describe *how* someone does something, which makes your basic sentences more interesting. For example, instead of just saying 'He walks,' you can say 'He walks discreetly.' This adds a layer of description that shows you are progressing in your learning. Focus on the connection between the adjective 'discreto' and the adverb 'discretamente'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to handle everyday social situations. 'Discretamente' becomes very useful here because it describes polite behavior. You might use it to talk about leaving a party early without making a scene, or asking a question in a way that doesn't bother others. It's a key word for expressing the concept of 'politeness' and 'respect' in Portuguese-speaking cultures. You should practice using it after common verbs like 'falar' (to speak), 'sair' (to leave), and 'olhar' (to look). At this level, you should also be able to recognize the word in simple stories or news headlines. It helps you understand the 'vibe' of a situation—whether it's loud and public or quiet and private.

By the B1 level, you are becoming an intermediate speaker. You can now use 'discretamente' to describe more complex social and professional interactions. In a workplace, you might use it to talk about handling a problem without alerting the whole office, or providing feedback to a colleague in private. You are also starting to see how 'discretamente' can modify adjectives, like 'um estilo discretamente elegante' (a subtly elegant style). Your goal at B1 is to use the word to add nuance to your opinions. Instead of just saying a situation was 'good' or 'bad', you can describe how someone acted 'discretamente' to make the situation better. You should also be comfortable with synonyms like 'sutilmente' and understand when to choose one over the other based on the context.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'discretamente' in various contexts, including more abstract ones. You can use it to describe political movements, economic shifts that happen slowly and without much fanfare, or the subtle ways an author builds tension in a book. You are now aware of the stylistic choices involved in placing the adverb at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. You can also differentiate between 'discretamente' and 'secretamente' with ease, understanding that 'discreto' is about social grace while 'secreto' is about hidden information. At this stage, your use of the word should feel natural and should help you achieve a more 'native-like' flow in your speech and writing.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the psychological and philosophical depths of the language. 'Discretamente' is used here to describe the 'unsaid' or the 'barely seen'. You might use it to analyze a complex character in a film who influences others 'discretamente' through body language or careful word choices. You can use it in high-level academic or professional writing to describe subtle correlations in data or nuanced shifts in public opinion. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you use 'discretamente' not just as a descriptor, but as a way to comment on the nature of an action itself. You understand the cultural value of 'discrição' in Lusophone societies and can discuss its importance in diplomacy and social hierarchy.

At the C2 level, you have reached mastery. You use 'discretamente' with the same precision and flair as a highly educated native speaker. You might use it in a poetic sense to describe the fading of light or the passing of time. You are comfortable using it in complex grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses or as part of sophisticated rhetorical devices. You can distinguish between the most subtle synonyms, choosing 'discretamente' when you want to emphasize the lack of social disturbance, and 'impercetivelmente' when you want to emphasize that the action was almost impossible to see. Your use of the word is flawless, and you can even use it ironically or humorously to describe someone who is trying to be discreet but failing miserably.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

discretamente in 30 Seconds

Discretamente means 'discreetly' or 'subtly' in Portuguese, used for actions that avoid attracting attention.
It is formed from the adjective 'discreto' plus the adverbial suffix '-mente'.
It is a hallmark of social elegance and professional diplomacy in Lusophone cultures.
Commonly used to describe speaking, moving, or handling sensitive situations with care.

The Portuguese adverb discretamente is a sophisticated and essential term for anyone looking to describe actions performed with subtlety, caution, or a lack of ostentation. At its core, it translates to "discreetly" or "quietly" in English, but its usage in Portuguese carries a specific weight related to social etiquette and emotional intelligence. When you do something discretamente, you are intentionally avoiding the spotlight, ensuring that your presence or your actions do not disturb the flow of a situation or attract unwanted attention.

Social Elegance: In Lusophone cultures, particularly in formal or semi-formal settings, being 'discreto' is a highly valued trait. It suggests a person who knows how to behave without being 'espalhafatoso' (flamboyant or loud). Using the adverb discretamente allows a speaker to praise or describe this refined behavior.

Ela saiu da reunião discretamente para não interromper o palestrante.

Translation: She left the meeting discreetly so as not to interrupt the speaker.

The word is versatile. It can describe how one speaks, how one dresses, or even how one influences a situation from behind the scenes. It is frequently used in literature to describe a character's subtle movements or in journalism to describe political maneuvers that happen away from the public eye. Understanding this word is key to moving from basic Portuguese to a more nuanced, intermediate level where you can describe the 'how' of an action with precision.

Professional Context: In a business environment, doing things discretamente often refers to handling sensitive information or correcting a colleague without causing embarrassment. It is the hallmark of professional diplomacy.

O gerente resolveu o conflito discretamente em seu escritório.

Translation: The manager resolved the conflict discreetly in his office.

Furthermore, discretamente can imply a sense of modesty. A person who donates to charity discretamente is seen as more virtuous than one who does so for public acclaim. This cultural nuance is vital; it’s not just about being quiet, it’s about the intention behind the quietness—the desire to be humble and respectful of others' space and privacy.

Visual Aesthetics: When applied to fashion or decor, it describes a style that is tasteful but not flashy. Someone dressed discretamente wears neutral colors and simple lines, avoiding big logos or bright patterns.

A sala estava decorada discretamente com tons de cinza e bege.

Translation: The room was decorated discreetly with tones of gray and beige.

Using discretamente correctly requires understanding its placement in a sentence. In Portuguese, adverbs of manner like this one usually follow the verb they modify. This provides a clear and direct description of the action. However, for stylistic emphasis, particularly in writing, you might find it at the beginning or the end of a long sentence.

Standard Placement: Place the adverb immediately after the verb to sound natural and clear. This is the most common way you will hear it in daily conversation.

Ele observou a multidão discretamente.

Translation: He observed the crowd discreetly.

When dealing with compound tenses (like the present perfect or past perfect), the adverb can often be placed between the auxiliary verb and the main verb, or after the entire verb phrase. In Portuguese, placing it after the main verb is usually the safest and most common choice for learners.

With Direct Objects: If the verb has a short direct object, the adverb usually follows the object. If the object is long, the adverb might move closer to the verb to avoid being lost.

Ela fechou a porta discretamente.

Translation: She closed the door discreetly.

It is also important to note that discretamente can modify adjectives, though this is less common than modifying verbs. When it does, it means "subtly" or "slightly." For example, "um perfume discretamente adocicado" (a subtly sweet perfume). Here, it precedes the adjective it modifies, just like in English.

Emphasis and Flow: In poetic or literary Portuguese, placing 'discretamente' at the start of a sentence draws focus to the manner of the action before the action itself is revealed.

Discretamente, o sol começou a desaparecer no horizonte.

Translation: Discreetly, the sun began to disappear on the horizon.

Finally, remember that discretamente is an adverb of manner. It answers the question "How?" (Como?). If you can ask "How did he enter?" and the answer is "Quietly/Discreetly," then discretamente is your go-to word. It provides that extra layer of description that makes your Portuguese sound more fluent and descriptive.

Eles conversaram discretamente sobre o novo projeto durante o jantar.

Translation: They talked discreetly about the new project during dinner.

You will encounter discretamente in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from high-stakes news reports to hushed conversations in a library. Its presence usually signals a level of maturity and respect for boundaries. It’s not a slang term; rather, it’s a staple of standard, polite Portuguese used by adults in everyday life.

In the Media: News anchors often use this word when describing political negotiations or the movements of celebrities who are trying to avoid paparazzi. It implies a sense of 'behind-the-scenes' activity.

O ministro viajou discretamente para Brasília no último domingo.

Translation: The minister traveled discreetly to Brasília last Sunday.

In social circles, discretamente is used when giving advice or describing a social faux pas that was handled well. For instance, if a friend has something in their teeth, you might tell another friend that you informed them discretamente. This highlights the social value placed on not embarrassing others.

Literature and Art: Portuguese and Brazilian literature are rich with descriptions of subtle emotions. Authors like Machado de Assis or Clarice Lispector might use 'discretamente' to describe a glance or a change in mood that is barely perceptible but deeply significant.

Ele sorriu discretamente, escondendo sua verdadeira alegria.

Translation: He smiled discreetly, hiding his true joy.

You'll also hear it in the service industry. A high-end restaurant waiter might approach a table discretamente to refill glasses without interrupting the conversation. In this context, the word is synonymous with high-quality, professional service.

Workplace Etiquette: When a boss wants to discuss a sensitive matter, they might say, 'Vamos conversar discretamente depois da reunião.' This signals that the topic is private.

Por favor, avise-o discretamente que o microfone está ligado.

Translation: Please, let him know discreetly that the microphone is on.

In summary, discretamente is everywhere because the need for privacy, subtlety, and politeness is universal. Whether you are reading a novel, watching the news, or navigating a Brazilian office, this word will be a constant companion in your linguistic journey.

Even though discretamente looks very similar to its English counterpart, learners often stumble on its pronunciation and its specific nuances. One of the biggest hurdles is the 'false friend' trap, though in this case, the words are mostly true friends—the danger lies in the mathematical vs. social distinction.

Discreet vs. Discrete: In English, 'discreet' (careful) and 'discrete' (separate) are homophones but have different meanings. In Portuguese, discretamente almost always refers to being careful/subtle. For 'separate/distinct,' Portuguese uses 'separadamente' or 'distintamente'. Don't use 'discretamente' to mean 'individually' in a technical context.

Incorrect: Os dados foram analisados discretamente (meaning separately).
Correct: Os dados foram analisados separadamente.

Another common error is the pronunciation of the '-mente' suffix. English speakers often want to say 'men-tay' or 'ment.' In Portuguese, the 'e' at the end is very soft, almost like a 'chee' in Brazil (men-chee) or a very short 't' sound in Portugal. Mispronouncing this suffix can make the word sound clunky and hard to understand.

Overuse as a Filler: Learners sometimes use 'discretamente' when they actually mean 'quietly' (silenciosamente) or 'slowly' (lentamente). While there is overlap, 'discretamente' implies a social intention to not be noticed, not just a lack of volume.

Mistake: Ele falou discretamente porque estava com sono.
Better: Ele falou baixo (low/quietly) porque estava com sono.

Finally, watch out for gender agreement errors—though not with the adverb itself, but with the adjective it comes from. Remember that discretamente is invariable; it never changes to 'discretamentas' or 'discretamentos.' The adverb form is fixed, regardless of who is performing the action.

Confusion with 'Secretamente': 'Secretamente' means in secret (nobody knows). 'Discretamente' means in a way that doesn't attract attention (people might see it, but it's not flashy). You can enter a room discretamente (everyone sees you, but you're quiet), but entering 'secretamente' implies you are hiding.

Eles estão namorando discretamente (they don't post it on social media). vs. Eles estão namorando secretamente (nobody knows they are a couple).

To truly master Portuguese, you need a palette of synonyms to avoid repetition and to express specific shades of meaning. While discretamente is excellent, sometimes a different word fits the mood better. Let's look at some alternatives and how they differ.

Silenciosamente vs. Discretamente: Silenciosamente refers strictly to the absence of noise. Discretamente refers to the absence of attention. You can walk silenciosamente in the woods alone, but you walk discretamente into a party late.

O gato moveu-se silenciosamente pela grama.

If you want to sound more casual or idiomatic, you might use the phrase de mansinho. This is very common in Brazil and suggests a sneaky or very gentle approach, often used when someone is trying not to wake a baby or is approaching someone to surprise them.

Sutilmente: This means 'subtly'. It is the closest synonym to discretamente when referring to changes or suggestions that are not obvious. Use 'sutilmente' when talking about art, flavors, or hints in a conversation.

Ela mudou o assunto sutilmente para evitar a briga.

For more formal writing, you might use reservadamente. This implies a sense of privacy and keeping things to oneself. It is often used in legal or official contexts, such as 'informar reservadamente' (to inform privately/confidentially).

Com cautela: Meaning 'with caution'. While 'discretamente' is about visibility, 'com cautela' is about safety and avoiding mistakes. Sometimes an action is both, but the focus is different.

Lastly, moderadamente (moderately) can sometimes replace it when talking about consumption or behavior that isn't excessive. 'Comer discretamente' might imply small bites and good manners, while 'comer moderadamente' focuses on the quantity of food.

O artista usa as cores discretamente para criar profundidade.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Latin, the suffix '-mente' was originally a separate word. So 'discretamente' literally meant 'with a discreet mind'. Over time, it fused into a single adverb.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɪskriːtəˈmɛnti/

US /dɪskritəˈmɛnti/

The primary stress is on the 'MEN' syllable (dis-cre-ta-MEN-te).

Rhymes With

infelizmente rapidamente constantemente claramente fortemente gentilmente realmente totalmente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly like 'ay'.
Putting the stress on 'CRE' as in the adjective 'discreto'.
Making the 's' sound like a 'z'.
Skipping the 'a' in the middle (dis-cret-men-te).
Nasalizing the 'en' incorrectly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'discreetly'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine form 'discreta' before adding '-mente'.

Speaking 4/5

The six-syllable length can be a tongue-twister for beginners.

Listening 3/5

The middle 'a' and final 'e' can be swallowed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

discreto mente silêncio falar sair

Learn Next

sutilmente reservadamente cautelosamente discrição indiscreto

Advanced

circunspecto moderação sobriedade impercetível

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation

discreto (adj) -> discreta (fem) -> discretamente (adv)

Adverb Placement

Ele falou discretamente (After the verb)

Adverbial Phrases

Com discrição = Discretamente

Invariability

Elas saíram discretamente (No plural for the adverb)

Comparison of Adverbs

Ele age mais discretamente que o irmão

Examples by Level

Ele fala discretamente.

He speaks discreetly.

The adverb follows the verb 'fala'.

Eu saio discretamente.

I leave discreetly.

Simple present tense use.

Ela caminha discretamente.

She walks discreetly.

Adverbs modify the action of walking.

Eles olham discretamente.

They look discreetly.

Third person plural.

Por favor, entre discretamente.

Please, enter discreetly.

Imperative mood.

O gato entra discretamente.

The cat enters discreetly.

Common use with animals moving.

Nós comemos discretamente.

We eat discreetly.

Refers to manners.

Você trabalha discretamente.

You work discreetly.

Direct description of work style.

Ela fechou a porta discretamente.

She closed the door discreetly.

Past tense 'fechou'.

O professor corrigiu o aluno discretamente.

The teacher corrected the student discreetly.

Direct object 'o aluno' comes before the adverb.

Eles saíram da festa discretamente.

They left the party discreetly.

Prepositional phrase 'da festa' before the adverb.

Eu perguntei o preço discretamente.

I asked the price discreetly.

Socially appropriate behavior.

Ela apontou para o erro discretamente.

She pointed to the error discreetly.

Compound verb 'apontou para'.

O menino pegou o doce discretamente.

The boy took the candy discreetly.

Action done to avoid being caught.

Nós conversamos discretamente no cinema.

We talked discreetly in the cinema.

Context of quiet environments.

Ele limpou a mesa discretamente.

He cleaned the table discreetly.

Professional conduct.

O gerente resolveu o problema discretamente.

The manager resolved the problem discreetly.

Management context.

Ela se vestia discretamente, mas com elegância.

She dressed discreetly, but with elegance.

Reflexive verb 'se vestia'.

O autor introduziu o tema discretamente no primeiro capítulo.

The author introduced the theme discreetly in the first chapter.

Literary analysis context.

Eles observaram a reação dela discretamente.

They observed her reaction discreetly.

Focus on social observation.

A empresa mudou sua política discretamente.

The company changed its policy discreetly.

Business strategy context.

Ele ajudou a família discretamente durante anos.

He helped the family discreetly for years.

Focus on modesty and charity.

O som da música aumentou discretamente.

The sound of the music increased discreetly.

Modifying a change in state.

Ela sugeriu a mudança discretamente durante a conversa.

She suggested the change discreetly during the conversation.

Diplomatic communication.

A diplomacia exige que se aja discretamente em crises.

Diplomacy requires that one acts discreetly in crises.

Subjunctive mood 'se aja'.

O governo interveio discretamente no mercado de câmbio.

The government intervened discreetly in the exchange market.

Economic context.

Ela conseguiu influenciar a decisão discretamente.

She managed to influence the decision discreetly.

Infinitive 'influenciar' modified by the adverb.

O prédio estava discretamente iluminado à noite.

The building was discreetly lit at night.

Adverb modifying a participle 'iluminado'.

Ele retirou-se discretamente antes que a briga começasse.

He withdrew discreetly before the fight started.

Reflexive verb 'retirou-se'.

A fragrância é discretamente floral.

The fragrance is discreetly floral.

Adverb modifying an adjective 'floral'.

Eles mantiveram o relacionamento discretamente por meses.

They kept the relationship discreetly for months.

Focus on privacy.

O detetive seguiu o suspeito discretamente.

The detective followed the suspect discreetly.

Classic action context.

O texto sugere discretamente uma insatisfação política.

The text discreetly suggests political dissatisfaction.

Nuanced interpretation.

Ela manifestou seu descontentamento discretamente, através de gestos.

She manifested her discontent discreetly, through gestures.

Focus on non-verbal communication.

A transição de poder ocorreu discretamente, sem grandes alardes.

The transition of power occurred discreetly, without much fuss.

Political science context.

O artista aborda temas sociais discretamente em sua obra.

The artist addresses social themes discreetly in his work.

Art criticism context.

Discretamente, ela se tornou a figura mais poderosa da empresa.

Discreetly, she became the most powerful figure in the company.

Sentence-initial placement for emphasis.

O veneno agiu discretamente no organismo da vítima.

The poison acted discreetly in the victim's body.

Scientific/Thriller context.

Ele ajustou discretamente sua postura ao ver o fotógrafo.

He discreetly adjusted his posture upon seeing the photographer.

Self-awareness context.

A melodia muda discretamente de tom no final.

The melody discreetly changes key at the end.

Musical analysis.

A ironia permeia o discurso de forma tão discretamente que poucos percebem.

Irony permeates the speech so discreetly that few notice.

Highly complex sentence structure.

O tempo corrói discretamente até as mais sólidas convicções.

Time discreetly erodes even the most solid convictions.

Philosophical abstraction.

Sua influência, embora exercida discretamente, era onipresente.

His influence, although exercised discreetly, was omnipresent.

Use of concessive clause 'embora'.

O autor manipula discretamente as expectativas do leitor.

The author discreetly manipulates the reader's expectations.

Meta-literary commentary.

A beleza daquela paisagem residia no modo como as cores se fundiam discretamente.

The beauty of that landscape resided in the way the colors merged discreetly.

Aesthetic description.

Ele insinuou discretamente que a verdade era muito mais sombria.

He discreetly hinted that the truth was much darker.

Focus on subtext.

A tecnologia infiltrou-se discretamente em todos os aspectos da vida moderna.

Technology has discreetly infiltrated all aspects of modern life.

Sociological observation.

Discretamente, o destino traçou um caminho diferente para os dois.

Discreetly, fate traced a different path for the two of them.

Fatalistic/Literary tone.

Common Collocations

sair discretamente

falar discretamente

observar discretamente

vestir-se discretamente

ajudar discretamente

sugerir discretamente

olhar discretamente

intervir discretamente

sorrir discretamente

avisar discretamente

Common Phrases

Agir discretamente

— To act in a way that doesn't draw attention. Used in professional advice.

É melhor agir discretamente nesta situação.

Sair discretamente

— To leave a place without being noticed. Very common for social events.

Vou sair discretamente antes do fim.

Falar discretamente

— To speak in a low voice or about private matters. Used for secrets.

Eles estavam falando discretamente sobre o chefe.

Observar discretamente

— To watch something or someone without them knowing. Common in thrillers.

O segurança observava o suspeito discretamente.

Vestir-se discretamente

— To wear clothes that are not flashy. Used in fashion and etiquette.

Para a entrevista, vista-se discretamente.

Avisar discretamente

— To give someone a subtle warning. Used in social corrections.

Avisou discretamente que o zíper estava aberto.

Rir discretamente

— To laugh in a controlled way. Used in formal settings.

Ela riu discretamente da piada infame.

Influenciar discretamente

— To have an effect on someone without them realizing. Used in psychology.

Ele influenciou a decisão discretamente.

Sinalizar discretamente

— To give a subtle sign or gesture. Used in teamwork.

O garçom sinalizou discretamente que a mesa estava pronta.

Retirar-se discretamente

— A more formal way to say 'leave quietly'. Used in literature.

O convidado retirou-se discretamente da festa.

Often Confused With

discretamente vs secretamente

Secretamente means 'in secret/hidden', while discretamente means 'subtly/without drawing attention'.

discretamente vs silenciosamente

Silenciosamente focuses on sound, discretamente focuses on social visibility.

discretamente vs separadamente

Do not use 'discretamente' for 'discrete' (separate) items in math or science.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pelas beiradas"

— Doing something slowly and discreetly to achieve a goal. Often used in Brazil.

Ele está ganhando o mercado pelas beiradas.

informal

"Comer quieto"

— To achieve success or get what you want without telling anyone. Very common in Brazil.

Ele não fala nada, mas está comendo quieto.

slang

"Na surdina"

— Doing something in total secrecy and silence. More intense than discretamente.

Eles planejaram o golpe na surdina.

informal

"De mansinho"

— Approaching something very gently and quietly. Usually physical movement.

O sono chegou de mansinho.

neutral

"Sem fazer alarde"

— Without making a fuss or drawing attention. A direct equivalent to acting discreetly.

Ele resolveu tudo sem fazer alarde.

neutral

"Em banho-maria"

— Keeping a situation going slowly and discreetly without reaching a conclusion yet.

O projeto está em banho-maria.

informal

"Passar batido"

— To go unnoticed, often used when someone acts so discreetly they aren't seen.

Ele passou batido pela segurança.

informal

"Ficar na sua"

— To mind one's own business and act discreetly in a social group.

Eu prefiro ficar na minha e observar.

informal

"Jogar baixo"

— This actually means to play dirty, but sometimes people confuse it with acting 'low' or discreetly. Be careful!

Ele jogou baixo para vencer.

informal

"À boca pequena"

— Something being discussed discreetly or as a rumor among a few people.

Diz-se à boca pequena que ele vai renunciar.

informal

Easily Confused

discretamente vs discreto

It is the adjective form.

Discreto describes a person or thing; discretamente describes an action.

Ele é um homem discreto. Ele age discretamente.

discretamente vs decididamente

Similar length and ending.

Decididamente means 'decidedly' or 'firmly', which is almost the opposite of subtle.

Ele agiu decididamente.

discretamente vs distintamente

Sounds similar to English 'distinctly'.

Distintamente means clearly or separately, not necessarily subtly.

Eu ouvi as vozes distintamente.

discretamente vs diretamente

Common adverb with similar rhythm.

Diretamente means 'directly', the opposite of the indirect nature of 'discretamente'.

Fale diretamente com ele.

discretamente vs devagar

Learners use it for 'quietly'.

Devagar means 'slowly'. You can move discretamente but quickly.

Ande devagar.

Sentence Patterns

Sujeito + Verbo + discretamente

Eu como discretamente.

Sujeito + Verbo + Objeto + discretamente

Ele fechou o livro discretamente.

Sujeito + Verbo + Preposição + discretamente

Ela falou com ele discretamente.

Adverbio + Adjetivo

O quarto é discretamente decorado.

Discretamente, + Oração Principal

Discretamente, o plano foi executado.

Oração + de forma + discretamente + adjetivada

Ele agiu de forma discretamente irônica.

Intermediate

Verbo + se + discretamente

Ele retirou-se discretamente.

Advanced

Embora + particípio + discretamente

Embora feito discretamente, o erro foi visto.

Word Family

Nouns

discrição (discretion)

discreto (a discreet person)

Verbs

discernir (to discern - related root)

Adjectives

discreto (masculine)

discreta (feminine)

indiscreto

indiscrição

secretamente

sutilmente

reservadamente

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both written and spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

discretomente → discretamente
You must use the feminine form 'discreta' as the base, not the masculine 'discreto'.
Ele é discretamente. → Ele é discreto.
You cannot use an adverb to describe a person's character directly with the verb 'ser'. Use the adjective.
Using it for 'discrete' data. → dados isolados / dados discretos
In technical terms, 'discretamente' doesn't usually mean 'separately'.
Pronouncing 'mente' as 'ment'. → men-te / men-chee
The final vowel is essential in Portuguese pronunciation.
Eles saíram discretamentes. → Eles saíram discretamente.
Adverbs never change for plural subjects.

Tips

The 'MEN' stress

Always remember that the stress in '-mente' adverbs falls on the 'MEN'. Practice saying 'dis-cre-ta-MEN-te' slowly.

Feminine First

To form this adverb, always start with the feminine adjective 'discreta'. This is a rule for almost all '-mente' adverbs.

Cognate Power

Use your knowledge of English 'discreetly' to remember the meaning, but don't forget the Portuguese spelling with 'c'.

Politeness Key

Use this word when you want to emphasize that you are being respectful and not trying to cause trouble.

Writing Flair

In your essays, use 'discretamente' to describe subtle changes in a story's atmosphere.

Context Clues

If you hear 'discre...', expect a word about being quiet or subtle. It's a very distinctive root.

Don't confuse with 'secretly'

If you are hiding a body, you are acting 'secretamente'. If you are leaving a boring party, you are acting 'discretamente'.

Professionalism

In a Brazilian office, describing your actions as 'discretas' or done 'discretamente' is often a compliment.

The Discreet Mind

Remember the Latin origin 'discreta mente' (discreet mind) to help you remember the spelling and meaning.

No plural

Never add an 's' to the end. It's always 'discretamente', even if a thousand people are doing it.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Secret' (discretamente) that you keep in your 'Mind' (-mente). You want to act in a way that keeps the secret safe.

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a library placing a finger over their lips while walking on their tiptoes. This is acting 'discretamente'.

Word Web

Silêncio Privacidade Elegância Segredo Sutileza Educação Modéstia Cuidado

Challenge

Try to describe three things you did today 'discretamente'. For example: 'Eu fechei a janela discretamente'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'discretus', which is the past participle of 'discernere' (to separate, to discern). The suffix '-mente' comes from the Latin 'mens, mentis' meaning 'mind' or 'spirit'.

Original meaning: Originally, it meant doing something with a 'discerning mind' or with the ability to distinguish what is appropriate.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'discretamente' with being 'indifferent'. Acting discreetly is an active choice of politeness, not a lack of interest.

In the US or UK, being 'discreet' is often associated with keeping secrets or being 'low-key'. In Portuguese, it is more about the general quality of one's social presence.

Machado de Assis often describes his characters' psychological shifts occurring 'discretamente'. The song 'Disritmia' by Martinho da Vila mentions a subtle, discreet kind of love. Diplomatic cables in Brazil are often referred to as being handled 'com total discrição'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Events

Sair discretamente
Observar discretamente
Conversar discretamente
Rir discretamente

Office/Work

Resolver discretamente
Avisar discretamente
Intervir discretamente
Sugerir discretamente

Fashion/Style

Vestir-se discretamente
Maquiar-se discretamente
Decorar discretamente
Usar cores discretamente

Romance

Olhar discretamente
Namorar discretamente
Tocar discretamente
Sinalizar discretamente

Literature

Sugerir discretamente
Mudar discretamente
Aparecer discretamente
Influenciar discretamente

Conversation Starters

"Você prefere se vestir discretamente ou gosta de cores vibrantes?"

"Como você sairia discretamente de uma festa muito chata?"

"Você acha que é importante agir discretamente no trabalho?"

"Você já teve que avisar alguém discretamente sobre um erro?"

"Qual celebridade você acha que vive mais discretamente?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você teve que agir discretamente para não passar vergonha.

Escreva sobre uma pessoa que você admira por ser discretamente elegante.

Como o mundo seria diferente se todos falassem mais discretamente?

Relate um momento em que você observou algo discretamente e o que você aprendeu.

Você acha que as redes sociais nos impedem de viver discretamente? Por quê?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. While it can imply being quiet, its main meaning is to avoid attracting attention. You can be 'discreta' in your clothing, which isn't about sound at all, but about style.

No, you use the adjective 'discreto' or 'discreta' for people. 'Discretamente' only describes how an action is performed. For example: 'Ele é discreto' (He is discreet) vs 'Ele age discretamente' (He acts discreetly).

Yes, it is very common in Brazil, though in very informal speech, Brazilians might prefer 'de mansinho' or 'na encolha'.

In Brazil, it sounds like 'MEN-chee'. In Portugal, it sounds like 'MEN-te' with a very short, almost silent 'e' at the end.

It is neutral to formal. You can use it in a business meeting or with friends, and it always sounds polite and educated.

Yes, 'muito' (very) is commonly used to intensify the adverb.

The most common antonym is 'espalhafatosamente' (flamboyantly/loudly) or 'abertamente' (openly).

Rarely. In technical contexts like mathematics, you use 'discreto' (discrete), but the adverb 'discretamente' is almost always social/behavioral.

Yes, 'Discretamente, ele saiu' is a very common and elegant way to start a sentence in writing.

No, but you can say 'com discrição' (with discretion), which is two words but sometimes feels easier to pronounce.