Indiscreet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indiscreet

[หŒษชn.dษชหˆskriหt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

social interaction

Having or showing a lack of discretion; unwise or imprudent in speech or action.

Synonyms

foolish, imprudent, rash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indiscreet

Used to describe a person who reveals things that should be kept secret or acts without thinking about the consequences. Can carry a slightly negative connotation.

  • It was indiscreet of him to mention her personal problems during the meeting.
  • Her indiscreet comments led to a lot of misunderstandings.
imprudent

Describes actions that are not wise or sensible, especially when considering the potential consequences. This word implies a lack of careful thought or caution.

  • It was imprudent of them to leave the doors unlocked while they were away.
  • His imprudent financial decisions led to significant losses.
rash

Indicates someone who acts without careful consideration or who is quick to act or make decisions, often resulting in unfavorable outcomes. It carries a negative connotation.

  • Making a rash decision to quit her job left her without any income.
  • He received a lot of criticism for his rash comments during the debate.
foolish

Refers to someone lacking good sense or judgment. Often used to describe actions that are silly or unwise. This term has a negative connotation.

  • It was foolish of him to invest all his money in that scam.
  • She made a foolish decision to walk alone at night.

Examples of usage

  • He made some indiscreet remarks at the party, causing embarrassment to everyone.
  • She regretted her indiscreet behavior after realizing the consequences.
Context #2 | Adjective

privacy

Not respecting the privacy or confidentiality of others; revealing secrets or private information without permission.

Synonyms

injudicious, untrustworthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indiscreet

Note: This is a duplicate of the previous word. Refer to the first entry for usage, context, and examples.

untrustworthy

This word is used to describe someone who cannot be relied upon or trusted. It is a strong negative term that often refers to a person's character or actions, indicating a lack of honesty or reliability.

  • She proved to be untrustworthy after leaking confidential information.
  • He was dismissed from his job because he was considered untrustworthy by his colleagues.
injudicious

This term is used to describe actions or decisions that lack proper judgment or are unwise. It is often used in more formal or serious contexts, such as legal, financial, or professional situations, and carries a negative connotation.

  • His injudicious investment led to a significant financial loss.
  • The company's injudicious decision to ignore safety regulations resulted in severe consequences.

Examples of usage

  • Sharing those photos without permission was very indiscreet of you.
  • He was fired for being indiscreet with sensitive company information.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Indiscreet behavior can lead to a breach of trust, making people hesitant to share important information.
  • Psychological studies indicate that people often reveal secrets because they desire social connections or to receive reassurance.

Pop Culture

  • Indiscreet characters are often depicted in films as gossipers or troublemakers who cause chaos with their careless words.
  • Famous literary works, such as Shakespeare's plays, explore themes of indiscretion, often highlighting the consequences of loose tongues.

Social Etiquette

  • In many cultures, being indiscreet is viewed negatively, as it can harm relationships and reputations.
  • Understanding the balance between transparency and discretion is key to maintaining trust in personal and professional settings.

Literature

  • In Jane Austen's novels, characters sometimes face dilemmas caused by indiscreet remarks, showcasing the importance of propriety.
  • Indiscreet actions often drive plots in mysteries or thrillers, creating tension as secrets are revealed.

Origin of 'indiscreet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin root 'discretus' meaning 'separate' or 'distinct', which later evolved to imply a lack of carefulness.
  • In English, it started to be used in the 16th century to describe someone who couldn't keep a secret or show discretion.

The word 'indiscreet' originated from the Latin word 'indiscretus', meaning 'not separated or distinct'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'lacking discretion or judgment'. The concept of discretion has been valued throughout history, with various cultures emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and careful behavior in social interactions and privacy matters.


See also: discreet, discreetly, discretion.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,861, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.