What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discreet
Example
She was discreet about her personal life and never shared too much information. [discreet: adjective]
Example
The hotel staff was discreet when handling the celebrity's request for privacy. [discreet: adjective]
tactful
Example
She was tactful in her response to the customer's complaint, acknowledging their concerns while offering a solution. [tactful: adjective]
Example
He expressed his disagreement with his boss in a tactful manner, avoiding any confrontational language. [tactful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tactful is more commonly used than discreet in everyday language. Tactful is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while discreet is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discreet and tactful?
Both discreet and tactful are associated with a formal tone, although tactful is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
