Directions : In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed, one of which makes use of the word correctly. You are required to select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. ‘Discrete’
The discrete series had many intervening gaps.
Understanding the Correct Usage of the Word 'Discrete'
The question asks us to identify the sentence that uses the word 'Discrete' correctly. To do this, we need to understand the meaning of 'Discrete' and differentiate it from similar-sounding words like 'Discreet'.
Meaning of 'Discrete'
The word 'Discrete' (with an 'e' before the 't') is an adjective that primarily means:
- Individually separate and distinct.
- (In statistics, computing, or mathematics) Consisting of distinct or unconnected elements; not continuous.
It is often contrasted with 'continuous' when describing variables or data.
Distinguishing 'Discrete' from 'Discreet'
It's important not to confuse 'Discrete' with 'Discreet' (with two 'e's). 'Discreet' is also an adjective, but it means:
- Careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially in order to keep something confidential or to avoid causing embarrassment.
- Unobtrusive or unnoticeable.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Word | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Discrete | Separate, distinct, not continuous (often in technical contexts like math/statistics) | The data consisted of several discrete points. |
| Discreet | Careful, confidential, unobtrusive | She made a discreet inquiry. |
Analyzing Each Sentence for Correct Usage
Let's examine how 'Discrete' is used in each provided sentence:
-
The manager was asked to make discrete enquiries about the new client.
In this sentence, the intended meaning is likely that the enquiries should be confidential or secret. The word needed here is 'discreet' (with two 'e's), meaning careful and confidential. 'Discrete' (meaning separate or distinct) does not fit this context.
-
The discrete noise-cancelling headphones are very expensive.
This sentence might be attempting to describe the headphones as unobtrusive or small. If so, the correct word would be 'discreet' (with two 'e's), meaning unobtrusive or unnoticeable. 'Discrete' (meaning separate or distinct) does not typically describe headphones in this way.
-
The discrete series had many intervening gaps.
This sentence uses 'discrete' in a context related to series or data, which is common in mathematics or statistics. A 'discrete series' or 'discrete variable' is one that can only take specific, separate values, often with gaps between them (like the number of students in a class, which must be a whole number). This usage aligns perfectly with the second definition of 'Discrete'.
-
It is important to be discrete while dealing with sensitive material.
Here, the sentence implies the need to be careful and confidential when handling sensitive information. The correct word is 'discreet' (with two 'e's), meaning careful and prudent, especially concerning confidentiality. 'Discrete' (meaning separate or distinct) is incorrect in this context.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, only the third sentence uses the word 'Discrete' according to its standard definitions, specifically in a technical or mathematical context describing something made up of separate, distinct elements with potential gaps. The other sentences incorrectly use 'Discrete' where 'Discreet' should have been used.
Revision Table: Correcting Sentences
Let's look at how the incorrect sentences could be corrected:
| Original Sentence (Incorrect) | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The manager was asked to make discrete enquiries about the new client. | The manager was asked to make discreet enquiries about the new client. | 'Discreet' means confidential/careful. |
| The discrete noise-cancelling headphones are very expensive. | The discreet noise-cancelling headphones are very expensive. | 'Discreet' can mean unobtrusive/unnoticeable. |
| It is important to be discrete while dealing with sensitive material. | It is important to be discreet while dealing with sensitive material. | 'Discreet' means careful/prudent with confidentiality. |
Additional Information on Word Usage
Understanding commonly confused words like 'Discrete' and 'Discreet' is vital for improving verbal ability and scoring well in language-based tests. Pay attention to the subtle differences in spelling and their corresponding meanings. Context is always key in determining the correct word to use in a sentence.
Remember that 'Discrete' often relates to separation or distinctness in quantifiable or structural terms, while 'Discreet' relates to carefulness, privacy, or lack of conspicuousness in actions or appearance.
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Important Questions from Correct Usage of Word
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.
INTEREST
A. She must be allowed to grieve and interest in her own way.
B. He urged further interest rate cuts in a bid to kick-start the economy.
C. It might interest you to learn that I've changed my opinion on that matter.
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.
REVISED
A. The college has revised its plans because of local objections.
B. The revised proposal will be presented to the board for discussion at Tuesday's meeting.
C. The judge was revised in the newspapers for his opinions on rape.
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.
DEFY
A. The brave young woman decided to defy the rules and pursue her dreams.
B. His actions openly defied the authority of the government.
C. The officer was convicted for refusing to defy orders
Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.
HANDLE
A. She carefully held the handle of the door.
B. The detective found a crucial piece of evidence with his keen handle on the case.
C. He couldn't handle the pressure and decided to quit.
Select the option in which the usage of the given word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.
EXPECT
