Discreet/ discrete. Which one ?

That's what I mean Maizie, sensible advice and common sense dismissed, with unpleasant comments! Some posters (obviously not meaning you) can't resist having a dig.

MrsKen33

Reason I asked is that my proofreader seems to have no idea of grammar, and I need to be sure I am right. She seems also to be unable to grasp capitals for proper nouns etc. hey ho!

Is this someone you’re paying privately? Honestly, you need to find someone else!

In the past I’ve had a lot to do with professional proofreaders/editors, and the worst I experienced was an American one, who objected strongly to the term ‘dumb animals’ and wrote in the margin, ‘Dogs are not dumb!’

I could just about forgive that, given the general meaning of ‘dumb’ across the pond.

Someone having a pop at the OP again! I suggest try being kind as your new year's resolution.

grannyrebel7

Someone having a pop at the OP again! I suggest try being kind as your new year's resolution.

Not being unkind nor having a pop, just offering practical advice, on where an accurate and succinct definition can be found.
It takes less than a minute to do the search.

Witzend

They have entirely different meanings.

From my big fat Oxford dictionary: (much of what it says)

Discreet - careful and circumspect in one’s words or actions, e.g. some discreet enquiries

Discrete - individually separate and distinct.

Well, I’m upset at fat shaming that poor dictionary, what did it ever do to you?

MaizieD

Yammy

MaizieD

Yammy

MaizieD

I'd suggest that if you aren't sure about a word you consult a dictionary.

lixy is correct.

Rather than getting the rather sharp reply on gransnet, just type the meaning of one into your computer and then the other. Computers are far more compassionate than some grans netters are getting these days. Unfortunately, it comes to us all.

There are even dictionaries on line, Yammy.

Or do people have to be really, really spoonfed these days?

Well, you don't say what a revelation. Though it is easier if you are not that aufait with a computer to type the meaning in of one and them and then the other.
I think as we get older a lot of us need a bit of help call it spoon-fed if you like.

You don't have to type in the meanings, just the words

e.g discrete definition

discreet definition

The computer will give you lots and lots of correct definitions.

If you tried via the 'meaning' you'd probably get a whole thesaurus...

Only if you know it will and the poster would not have asked if she had known.

As I said upthread. The publishers pay the proofreader. Comes with the contract.

FannyCornforth

MrsKen33

Yes it is. She also crossed out ‘laundry’ and substituted it with ‘ laundromat’. In 1950s Wales? I don’t think so.

Laundrette?

If it had been in 1950s/60's England in my neck of the woods it would have been a "Washerteria", my SIL thinks it a hoot when her DH says it. We would not have known what a laundromat was. We still say it today, I saw it painted above an establishment just last week and had a laugh to myself. We haven't caught up with the rest of Britain yet.

grannyrebel7

Someone having a pop at the OP again! I suggest try being kind as your new year's resolution.

I agree Granyrebel17 . Maybe they could practise 23 times and Gransnet would be a happier place, where you dare to ask questions,

No Fanny .Laundry, a big commercial business. Not a row of washing machines and dryers. ❤️

I think it's a bit mean to tell a poster to just consult a dictionary or Google. Gransnet is a chat site - it would be a bit quiet on here if everyone followed that advice.

People ask how to avoid a flat Victoria sponge, or where to buy big knickers, and no one tells them to consult Delia or try Google.

I hope no one comes and asks when to use practice or practise!

Not at all intended to be mean.
I'm a very practical and proactive, so that is what I would do, rather than be given various definitions and perhaps inaccurate ones. It's not the same thing as asking or chatting about a flat sponge. There are many reasons why a sponge hasn't risen.
The OP's question requires a definitive answer.
Researching the answer is also a much quicker solution. Surely that is what authors do?

I find it unkind to advise me to be kind, when you know nothing or very little about me, nor my intentions. 😪

The point that seems to being missed by some, is that the proof reader appears to lack the appropriate knowledge and skills for a job he/she is being paid to do.

My granny sent her washing to The Snowflake Laundry in the 60s, tell that to your proofreader! And when I married in 1970 and didn’t have a washing machine I went to the local laundrette.

I agree Marydoll, the proof reader clearly isn’t up to the job.

Oreo

Witzend

They have entirely different meanings.

From my big fat Oxford dictionary: (much of what it says)

Discreet - careful and circumspect in one’s words or actions, e.g. some discreet enquiries

Discrete - individually separate and distinct.

Well, I’m upset at fat shaming that poor dictionary, what did it ever do to you?

Mea culpa.* I will apologise to it forthwith.

*Autocorrect tried to change that to ‘me cuppa’ 😂
Though it is about time for a coffee, I think.

There is no judgement in correction of grammar. On the other hand it shows you care. Similarly there should be absolutely no shame in asking for grammar/spelling/words advice. I just love the fact that the OP cares and I heartily admire her/him for asking. There is really no such thing as a stupid question when for every one person who asks it there are many more who think quietly, "ooh, so that's the answer...I always wondered but was too shy to ask..."

grannyrebel7
Someone having a pop at the OP again! I suggest try being kind as your new year's resolution

Pots and kettles! @ grannyrebel

So, Welbeck for quick exam purposes, kEEping a confidence is discrEEt. Is that a short and pragmatic enough answer?

Riverwalk

I think it's a bit mean to tell a poster to just consult a dictionary or Google. Gransnet is a chat site - it would be a bit quiet on here if everyone followed that advice.

People ask how to avoid a flat Victoria sponge, or where to buy big knickers, and no one tells them to consult Delia or try Google.

--I hope no one comes and asks when to use practice or practise!--

Re practice/practise, I was once sorely tempted to Say Something, after dd1’s needlework teacher awarded me a C+ for 90% of the work of making dd’s cookery apron (she loathed any sort of sewing.)
‘Neatness and accuracy are 2 skills which you must practice.’

But I desisted - rather noble of me, I think!

Germanshepherdsmum

I agree Marydoll, the proof reader clearly isn’t up to the job.

They aren’t. They have caused no end of hassle for MrsKen.
About 25 years ago I looked into being a proof reader, but was dissuaded as I was led to believe that it was really difficult to get into and super competitive.
I wish that I’d persevered

MrsKen33

So is it ‘They sat at a discrete distance’ and ‘ He told her his problem as he knew she would be discreet.’ ?

Have I got it right ?

I very much doubt it, but I don't know what you meant by a discrete difference.

"Discrete" basically means seperate, discontinuous, or consisting of distinct parts, so I suspect you meant "discreet" in both of your examples.

discreet means prudent, considerate, or tactful.

My cousin does some proof reading of scientific manuscripts for Cambridge University Press. She’s pretty fearsome. I think MrsKen should send her proof reader a good English dictionary and a good book about basic English grammar. Anonymously perhaps.

FannyCornforth

Germanshepherdsmum

I agree Marydoll, the proof reader clearly isn’t up to the job.

They aren’t. They have caused no end of hassle for MrsKen.
About 25 years ago I looked into being a proof reader, but was dissuaded as I was led to believe that it was really difficult to get into and super competitive.
I wish that I’d persevered

Could it be something you could do remotely from home now though, Fanny?

I am going to admit something shocking now, I have never used discreet. I'm pretty sure I have always used discrete and I got an A in English. I am however, not a proof reader

Good luck with your book (?) MrsKen

MawtheMerrier

grannyrebel7
Someone having a pop at the OP again! I suggest try being kind as your new year's resolution

Pots and kettles! @ grannyrebel

Nobody but nobody is having a pop. Nobody is being mean. Op asked a question in pedants corner andvgit answers. What should have been said ? “ oh don’t worry sweetie, just put what you think. ??

I've used discrete (correctly)

Have I always been discreet?
Of course.