discrete
Individually separate and distinct
Examples
In a meeting
“We should treat these as three discrete projects, not one initiative.”
Over coffee
“The apartment has three discrete living areas.”
Why this word
separate
discrete emphasizes individually distinct units that are not continuous, while separate only means apart without emphasizing distinctness
distinct
discrete specifically means separate and individually identifiable as countable units, while distinct just means clearly different or recognizable
individual
discrete emphasizes discontinuous separateness as opposed to continuous, while individual simply means single or particular
Usage tip
Don't confuse with 'discreet' (careful/secretive); discrete means separate items, not a continuum
Etymology
Latin 'discretus' meaning 'separated' (past participle of 'discernere' to separate)
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Related words
compartmentalize
Separate things into distinct sections or categories
isolate
To separate from others or identify as distinct
conflate
Combine two or more things into one, often incorrectly
decouple
To separate two processes or timelines that were previously linked or dependent
differentiate
Recognize or show what makes things distinct from one another
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.