What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discreetly
Example
She discreetly slipped the envelope into his pocket. [discreetly: adverb]
Example
He handled the situation discreetly, without causing any unnecessary drama. [discreetly: adverb]
cautiously
Example
She cautiously approached the edge of the cliff, aware of the potential danger. [cautiously: adverb]
Example
He cautiously considered all the options before making a decision. [cautiously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cautiously is more commonly used than discreetly in everyday language. Cautiously is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discreetly is less common and more specific to situations involving privacy or confidentiality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discreetly and cautiously?
Both discreetly and cautiously are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in professional or academic settings. However, discreetly may be more commonly used in formal contexts such as legal or diplomatic language, while cautiously may be used in a wider range of formal and informal contexts.
