discrete
Meaning: Individually separate and distinct; not connected to or forming part of a continuous whole.
Discrete is a technical and academic term meaning 'separately distinguishable' — the opposite of continuous. In mathematics, discrete variables take distinct values (1, 2, 3) rather than any value on a continuum. In general usage, discrete components, stages, or categories are clearly separate from one another. The word is frequently confused with 'discreet' (tactful, circumspect), which is its homophone but has an entirely different meaning. This confusion is one of the most common spelling errors in academic writing.
Examples
- The programme is divided into six discrete modules, each assessed independently. 该课程分为六个独立的模块,每个模块独立评估。El programa se divide en seis módulos discretos, cada uno evaluado de forma independiente.そのプログラムは6つの独立したモジュールに分かれており、それぞれ個別に評価される。그 프로그램은 6개의 독립된 모듈로 나뉘며, 각각 개별적으로 평가된다.
- The researcher identified three discrete phases in the development of the policy, separated by significant shifts in government thinking. 研究人员在政策发展过程中识别出三个不同的阶段,各阶段之间以政府思路的重大转变为分界。La investigadora identificó tres fases discretas en el desarrollo de la política, separadas por cambios significativos en el pensamiento gubernamental.研究者は政策の展開において3つの明確に区分された段階を特定し、各段階は政府の方針の大きな転換によって隔てられていた。연구자는 정책 발전에서 세 가지 뚜렷이 구분되는 단계를 확인했으며, 각 단계는 정부 사고의 큰 전환에 의해 구분되었다.
- Manufacturing involves several discrete stages, from raw material processing to final quality inspection. 制造过程涉及从原材料加工到最终质量检验等数个独立阶段。La fabricación comprende varias etapas discretas, desde el procesamiento de la materia prima hasta la inspección final de calidad.製造工程は、原材料の加工から最終品質検査まで、いくつかの独立した段階を含む。제조 과정은 원자재 가공부터 최종 품질 검사까지 여러 개의 독립된 단계를 포함한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, scientific, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin discretus (separated, distinct), past participle of discernere (to separate, distinguish). Entered English in the 14th century. Originally the same word as 'discreet,' the two spellings diverged in the 17th century to mark the separate meanings.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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