tact
TAKT
/tækt/
Sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
Tact is specifically about knowing what not to say to avoid giving offense.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'tactus,' meaning 'touch.' It literally means having a 'delicate touch' in social situations, much like a musician has a delicate touch on an instrument.
Word relationships
- diplomacy: Diplomacy is a broad skill set; tact is the specific social 'touch' used within it.
- indiscretion: Indiscretion is the failure to be careful in speech or action.
Commonly confused with
- tack: A 'tack' is a course of action; 'tact' is social sensitivity.
Word family
- tactful (adjective): Showing sensitivity and skill in dealing with others.
- tactless (adjective): Lacking sensitivity.
Collocations
- diplomatic tact
- lack tact
- utmost tact
Idioms & expressions
- a sense of tact
Example sentences
- "Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy." A famous definition of the word.
- "The manager showed great tact when discussing the employee's performance issues." Handling a sensitive HR issue.
Memory hook
Tact is like 'contact'—it's how you stay in contact with people without rubbing them the wrong way. The delicate touch.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'tack,' which is a direction or a small nail.
Fun facts
- The word 'tangible' comes from the same root, as both involve the sense of touch.
Related words
Explore more words
discretion, savoir-faire, diplomacy, faux pas, gauche, considerate
Also appears in
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