Tact
The ability to deal with people and delicate situations in a sensitive, considerate, and diplomatic way; choosing words and actions carefully to avoid offense.
nounTact
The ability to deal with people and delicate situations in a sensitive, considerate, and diplomatic way; choosing words and actions carefully to avoid offense.
nounImagine This
Imagine a mediator in a heated meeting who pauses before speaking, choosing words that acknowledge everyone's feelings and diffuse tension.
Sounds Like
takt (rhymes with 'fact'; sounds like 'tacked').
Looks Like
Looks like 'fact' (similar visual structure: four letters ending with -act).
Remember This
Tact is a hallmark of social intelligence. A tactful speaker can convey criticism or disagreement without provoking defensiveness.
Other Forms
Connect With
diplomacy, discretion, sensitivity, delicacy
Note
Use 'tact' as a noun; 'tactful' is the adjective form, and 'tactless' describes a lack of tact. Be careful not to confuse with similarly spelled words like 'tax' or 'tactic'.