discrete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discrete" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is separate or distinct, often in contexts such as mathematics, statistics, or when discussing individual items or units. Example: "The data set consists of discrete values that can be analyzed independently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the outside it looks like a small, old-world liquor store, but forget yourself, walk right behind the counter, take a seat in the front room or the hallway (complete with discrete exit to a side street), knock back some drinks and chat with owner Dilip and the locals.

The Guardian - Travel

The second observation is that there may only be a limited number of discrete, surgical procedures that lend themselves to this sort of innovation.

The Guardian

The rules say these towns must form discrete new communities and be built largely on brownfield land.

The Guardian - Opinion

She devised all of her algorithms – sequences of moves with a discrete effect on the puzzle – by hand.

The Guardian - Tech

She also tries to break down problems into discrete units, observing and testing each solution separately before moving on to the next, as a good scientist would.

The Economist

Everyone was a chameleon; hence "The Golden Notebook", in which a woman's life was narrated in discrete notebooks, emotional, political and everyday, which eventually tangled into one.

The Economist

These would need to be in a discrete area of the building with its own entrance, as such boxes are not subject to the same (albeit relaxed) customs regime as goods in freeports.Western countries have started to clamp down on those who try to use such repositories to keep undeclared assets in the shadows.

The Economist

It evolved into a continuous process, not (as it had been) a discrete half-yearly or annual coven attended by a select few.

The Economist

For example, banks that are organised into discrete subsidiaries may be less costly to save than banks with more centralised structures because specific problems can be contained without necessarily affecting the whole group.

The Economist

And American officials see no discrete swathe of territory controlled by rebels that could be declared a safe zone: for the moment, the opposition controls scattered strongholds.Those pushing Mr Obama to do more are focused on arming moderate rebels, and some sense the president edging in their direction.

The Economist

They will, he says, be smaller, lighter, less power-hungry and more durable than today's devices.Smart clothing could not only blur the lines between materials and electronics but, if items of clothing start to absorb previously discrete devices, between people and machines.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discrete" to emphasize the clear separation or individuality of items, especially in technical or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "discrete" when you mean "discreet". "Discrete" refers to separateness, while "discreet" means tactful or unobtrusive.

Linguistic Context

The word "discrete" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are separate, distinct, or individually discernible. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, confirming its grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "discrete" signifies separateness and individuality, frequently appearing in diverse contexts such as news, business, and science. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the word follows standard grammatical rules. Its proper usage emphasizes clear distinction, and it should not be confused with "discreet", which means tactful. High-authority sources like The Economist and The Guardian commonly employ "discrete", solidifying its place in formal and technical writing. Remembering that discrete describes separate items can help ensure clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct

Emphasizes clear separateness and recognizability of individual elements.

separate

Highlights the condition of not being connected or joined.

individual

Focuses on something considered as a single, independent unit.

non-continuous

Directly negates the idea of continuity, stressing the presence of gaps or breaks.

discontinuous

Similar to non-continuous, implying a lack of smooth progression or connection.

isolated

Suggests a state of being detached or separated from others.

independent

Highlights the self-governing or non-reliant nature of something.

detached

Emphasizes a lack of connection or emotional involvement.

unconnected

Directly states the absence of a physical or logical link.

disjointed

Implies a lack of coherence or smooth transition between elements.

FAQs

How to use "discrete" in a sentence?

Use "discrete" to describe elements that are distinct and separate from each other. For example, "The study analyzed several "discrete variables"."

What can I say instead of "discrete"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct", "separate", or "individual" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "discrete" or "discreet"?

"Discrete" and "discreet" have different meanings. "Discrete" means separate or distinct, while "discreet" means careful and circumspect. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence. For example, The company has a very "discreet way" of doing business.

What's the difference between "discrete" and "continuous"?

"Discrete" refers to elements that are separate and distinct, while "continuous" refers to elements that are smoothly connected without interruptions. In mathematics, "discrete functions" have distinct, separate values, while continuous functions have values that can smoothly change.