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Literary notes about Discreet (AI summary)

In literature, “discreet” is employed to evoke a sense of prudent reserve and measured behavior. It frequently characterizes individuals who combine intellectual wisdom with a subtle approach to personal conduct, as seen when a man is lauded for being both wise and discreet ([1], [2], [3]). At other times, the term serves as an imperative to remain confidential or tactful in sensitive situations ([4], [5], [6]), suggesting that discretion is essential in preserving both honor and intimacy. Authors also use it to imply a hidden quality or a carefully moderated approach in matters of emotion and action, whether it be in the quiet liberalism of a lady or the reserved tone of advice ([7], [8], [9]). This layered usage highlights discretion as a virtue that tempers expression and underscores a character’s ability to navigate complex social and moral landscapes ([10], [11], [12]).
  1. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
    — from The Doré Bible Gallery, Complete
  2. Lludd loved Llevelys best of all his brothers, because he was a wise and discreet man.
    — from The Mabinogion
  3. I like him as a most good-natured, and discreet man, and, I believe, very cunning.
    — from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
  4. She then said— “Can you be discreet?” “Oh, yes, ma’am.”
    — from The Romance of Lust: A classic Victorian erotic novel by Anonymous
  5. “Be discreet,” said I, “and don’t let anybody into your plans.”
    — from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova
  6. ,” said Maitre Hareng, with a discreet smile.
    — from Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
  7. Sauveur, Roberval, and Bernier experienced her discreet liberality, which disguised itself only that it might be the more freely bestowed.
    — from The Fables of La Fontaine by Jean de La Fontaine
  8. A certain amount of dreaming is good, like a narcotic in discreet doses.
    — from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
  9. Discreet advice too, for he darkened his lantern again, and the mound turned black.
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  10. “Yes, but it is a good thing to have recourse to the advice of discreet persons who are interested in the happiness of both parties.”
    — from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova
  11. That discreet damsel was attired as usual, except that she was now engaged in substituting for her green kid gloves a pair of white.
    — from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  12. "Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage.
    — from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott

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