KJV Dictionary Definition: discrete

discrete

DISCRETE, a. L. See Discreet.

1. Separate; distinct; disjunct. Discrete proportion is when the ratio of two or more pairs of numbers or quantities is the same, but there is not the same proportion between all the numbers; as 3:6::8:16, 3 bearing the same proportion to 6, as 8 does to 16. But 3 is not to 6 as 6 is to 8. It is thus opposed to continued or continual proportion, as 3:6::12:24.

2. Disjunctive; as, I resign my life, but not my honor, is a discrete proposition.

DISCRETE, v.t. To separate; to discontinue. Not used.

discretion

DISCRETION, n. L, a separating. See Discreet.

1. Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; nice discernment and judgment, directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding ones own conduct.

A good man--will guide his affairs with discretion. Psalm 112.

My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion. Proverbs 3.

2. Liberty or power of acting without other control than ones own judgment; as, the management of affairs was left to the discretion of the prince; he is left to his own discretion. Hence,

To surrender at discretion, is to surrender without stipulation or terms, and commit ones self entirely to the power of the conqueror.

3. Disjunction; separation. Not much used.

discretional

DISCRETIONARY, DISCRETIONAL, a. Left to discretion; unrestrained except by discretion or judgment; that is to be directed or managed by discretion only. Thus, the President of the United States is, in certain cases, invested with discretionary powers, to act according to circumstances.

discretive

DISCRETIVE, a. See Discreet and Discrete.

1. Disjunctive; noting separation or opposition. In logic, a discretive proposition expresses some distinction, opposition or variety, by means of but, though, yet, &c.; as, travelers change their climate, but not their temper; Job was patient, though his grief was great.

2. In grammar, discretive distinctions are such as imply opposition or difference; as, not a man, but a beast.

3. Separate; distinct.

discretively

DISCRETIVELY, adv. In a discretive manner.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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