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tact

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /tækt/

tact means: Skill in speaking or acting so that you do not upset or embarrass people.

noun

SENSITIVE COMMUNICATIONB2

Skill in speaking or acting so that you do not upset or embarrass people.

  • She handled the complaint with tact.
  • It takes tact to discuss someone’s mistakes kindly.
  • His lack of tact embarrassed everyone at dinner.

How to use it: tact in doing something (She showed tact in explaining the problem.)

Similar words: diplomacy, sensitivity, discretion

Opposites: tactlessness

Common phrases: show tact, with tact, lack of tact

SENSITIVE JUDGMENTC2

An ability to notice what a situation needs and respond wisely.

  • Her practical tact guided the decision.
  • He showed tact in choosing the right moment to act.
  • Success depended on the teacher’s tact in judging each pupil’s needs.

Similar words: discernment, judgment

Common phrases: practical tact, tact in something, exercise tact

Questions about tact

What does tact mean?

Skill in speaking or acting so that you do not upset or embarrass people.

What is tact in other languages?

Türkçe: incelik · Español: tacto · Français: tact · Deutsch: Taktgefühl · Italiano: tatto · 日本語: 気遣い

How do you pronounce tact?

It is pronounced /tækt/.

How do you use tact in a sentence?

She handled the complaint with tact. It takes tact to discuss someone’s mistakes kindly.

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tact in other languages

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