What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
covertly
Example
The spy was able to gather information covertly without being detected. [covertly: adverb]
Example
The company was accused of covertly manipulating the stock market. [covertly: adverb]
discreetly
Example
She discreetly slipped the envelope into his pocket without anyone noticing. [discreetly: adverb]
Example
The doctor spoke to the patient discreetly about their medical condition. [discreetly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discreetly is more commonly used than covertly in everyday language. Discreetly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while covertly is less common and is often associated with specific situations such as espionage or illegal activities.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between covertly and discreetly?
Both covertly and discreetly can be used in formal and informal contexts, but covertly may be considered more formal due to its association with espionage or legal terminology.
