tact
tact (takt)
noun
- Archaic the sense of touch
- delicate perception of the right thing to say or do without offending; skill in dealing with people
- delicate sensitivity, esp. in aesthetics
Etymology: Fr < L tactus, pp. of tangere, to touch < IE base *tag-, to touch, grasp > OE thaccian, to stroke
tact
n.
Antonyms
tact implies the skill of one who has a quick and delicate sense of what is fitting and thus avoids giving offense in dealing with persons or difficult situations it will require tact to keep him calm; poise implies composure in the face of disturbing or embarrassing situations despite the taunts of the crowd, she maintained her poise; diplomacy implies a smoothness and adroitness in dealing with others, sometimes in such a way as to gain one's own ends his lack of diplomacy lost him the contract; savoir-faire implies a ready knowledge of the right thing to do or say in any situation his savoir-faire helped advance his career
Possessives
- trainer: TACT's trainers are experienced in all aspects of childcare service provision.
Converse of object
- lack: With care Henley could have swayed his wife toward his own beliefs, no doubt, but he lacks tact.
- require: This situation requires tact - you cannot instruct the tenant to get a gas oven.
- call: I imagine this reflects on anything I do. _________________ Is that what you call tact?
- show: She showed tact, determination and a refreshingly large amount of common sense.
- use: There is no need for others to learn how to use TACT.
- have: Kind by temperament, he had an instinctive tact in dealing with others.
Adjective modifier
- little: Be clear and assertive not aggressive A little tact will get you a better response.
- great: The event was chaired with great tact by the Rev Norman Drummond, national governor for Scotland.
- more: Many of its clients felt its name might have been chosen with more tact.
- usual: As one of the latter, I don't have to pussyfoot round this subject with my usual tact.
- different: Write another advertisement that takes a slightly different tact.
- considerable: Abe Biddle was asked to make investigations, which he did with considerable tact.
Noun used with modifier
No rules,however wise, area substituteforaffectionand tact.
