Discrete Inquiry

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

K S SWIGART   katswig@earthlink.net

The dictionary defines "discrete" as:

discrete adj.  
1. Constituting a separate thing; distinct. 
2. Consisting of unconnected distinct parts. [syn: distinct] 
.. 

While it defines "discreet" as:

discreet adj.

1. marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
2. unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic [syn: discerning]
3. heedful of potential consequences; [syn: circumspect]

 OR:

1. Marked by, exercising, or showing prudence and wise self-
   restraint in speech and behavior; circumspect. 
2. Free from ostentation or pretension; modest. 


So while Tom's inquiry may have been discrete (a separate,
distinct offer from all other inquiries he has made), I would
hardly describe either the inquiry or Tom himself as discreet
(prudent, modest, circumspect, sympathetic and showing wise self-
restraint are hardly words that come to mind when evaluating
either the inquiry or the demonstrated personality of the person
making it).

Alexander Pope once said:

"Satire's my weapon, but I'm too discreet To run amuck, and tilt
at all I meet."

Which, while it may apply to Pope, can hardly be said to apply
to Tom (at least not on this list) as he constantly runs amuck
(or amok) and tilts at just about everybody--even those he has
never met--with the slightest provocation :).

So unless he intended to be satirical (a distinct possibility), Tom was right in choosing to describe his inquiry as discrete,
and not discreet.

kat
Orange County, Calif.