discretely.

In distinct, separate units rather than as an unbroken continuum.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• discretely sampled
• discretely valued

On the page

The sensor sampled discretely rather than recording every instant.

The model represented choices discretely, so intermediate categories were not available.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Invariable adverb; no plural or tense forms. Compare degree only where the particular use naturally permits it. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: qualification, comparison, causation, methodology, interpretation. Disciplines: academic writing, research, argumentation. Commonness: moderately common.