Tact Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/tækt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A keen sense of what to say or do in order to avoid giving offense or to achieve a desired effect.

Examples

• She handled the difficult conversation with tact and diplomacy.
• He lacked tact and often offended his colleagues with his blunt remarks.

Synonyms

• Diplomacy
• Discretion

Antonyms

• Tactlessness
• Insensitive

Additional Information

Tact is an essential skill in both personal and professional relationships. It involves being sensitive to the feelings and emotions of others, and being able to adapt one’s behavior accordingly. People with tact are often able to navigate complex social situations with ease and build strong relationships as a result.

In the workplace, tact is particularly important for managers and leaders, as it enables them to effectively communicate with their team members and build trust. It is also useful in customer-facing roles, where being able to handle difficult conversations with tact and diplomacy can make all the difference.

Etymology

The word “tact” originates from the Latin “tactus,” meaning “touch” or “feeling.”

Usage Notes

Tact is often used in conjunction with other words, such as “diplomacy” or “discretion,” to convey a sense of sensitivity and awareness in social interactions.

Cultural References

Tact has been referenced in popular culture through films and literature, often as a key attribute of successful leaders and diplomats.

Related Words or Phrases

• Sensitivity
• Empathy
• Discretion

Collocations

• “She showed great tact during the meeting.”
• “He lacked tact in his dealings with the customer.”

Frequency of Use

Tact is a moderately common word in modern language, often used in formal and professional contexts.

Common Misspellings

• tacte
• takt
• tekct