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indiscreetly

C2
Rare

Pronunciation

UK

    US

      Meanings

      Adverb

      1. in a careless way that reveals private information

      2. with poor judgment or lack of caution in behavior

      Beyond the definition

      Imagine you share a secret with a friend, and then they tell everyone at school. That is acting indiscreetly. It means speaking or behaving without enough care, especially when private or sensitive information is involved. It is not always done with bad intent; sometimes people simply do not stop and think before they speak. A politician might be criticized for speaking indiscreetly about private talks, and a nosy neighbor might share other people's business indiscreetly. It is the opposite of being discreet and careful.

      Examples

      1. 1

        Personal question

        She indiscreetly asked how much rent I pay.

      2. 2

        Business secret

        He spoke indiscreetly about the merger at dinner.

      3. 3

        Media leak

        The coach indiscreetly told reporters that two players were planning to leave.

      4. 4

        Online privacy

        By posting the photo online, they indiscreetly revealed where the witness was staying.

      See also

      Similar

      Shades of meaning

      Contrast

      Do not confuse

      Used with (collocations)

      • speak indiscreetly
      • indiscreetly reveal
      • behave indiscreetly

      Word family

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      Forms and spellings

      1 form open this card.

      Main spelling

      • indiscreetlyadverb