Standard Lemma guide

discretize

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To convert (a continuous space) into an equivalent discrete space, often for the purposes of easier calculation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To represent (any spectrum of reality) as a set of discrete categories or classes; to categorize (a spectral aspect of reality) by lumping together some of its finer distinctions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, transitive

Examples

  • A rainbow truly contains thousands of color values but can usually be discretized by human sentience into bands of primary and secondary colors.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English discrete Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō)bor. Late Latin -izōder. Middle French -iserbor. Middle English -isen English -ize English discretize From discrete + -ize.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: discretiseren — convert continuous space into discrete space
  • French: discrétiser — convert continuous space into discrete space
  • German: diskretisieren — convert continuous space into discrete space
  • Icelandic: strjála — convert continuous space into discrete space
  • Italian: discretizzare — convert continuous space into discrete space
  • Polish: zdyskretyzować — convert continuous space into discrete space
  • Sindhi: جُزَڻُ (juzaṇu) — convert continuous space into discrete space
  • Swedish: diskretisera — convert continuous space into discrete space