Discrete Meaning and Definition
Discrete
Pronunciation
/dɪsˈkriːt/
Part of Speech
Noun, Adjective
Definition
A thing or entity that is separate and distinct from others; a distinct part or portion of something; a thing or event that is clearly defined and not vague or ambiguous.
Examples
- The teacher gave each student a discrete task to complete.
- The company has a discrete division that handles customer complaints.
Synonyms
- Distinct
- Separate
- Individual
Antonyms
- Continuous
- Unbroken
- Indistinct
Etymology
The word “discrete” comes from the Latin “discretus”, meaning “separated” or “distinct”. It has been used in English since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
When using the word “discrete”, it’s important to clarify whether you’re referring to something being separate or distinct. For example, “Discrete pieces of cake were served” versus “The cake was served in discrete portions”.
Cultural References
The word “discrete” has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase “Discrete music” was coined by composer Iannis Xenakis in the 1960s.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- discrete variable, discrete data
Related Words or Phrases
- Distinct
- Separate
- Individual
- Singular
Collocations
- discrete pieces
- discrete parts
- discrete portions
Frequency of Use
The word “discrete” is commonly used in professional and technical settings, such as mathematics, engineering, and computer science.
Common Misspellings
- disket
- dispatcher