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tact Definition

tact (takt)

noun

  1. Archaic the sense of touch
  2. delicate perception of the right thing to say or do without offending; skill in dealing with people
  3. 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 Synonyms

tact

n.

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

tact Usage Examples

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

  • business: You have said that working men did not possess business tact necessary to the carrying on of business on their own account.
  • con-: For further information please con- tact the BURA office.
  • con: Con tact 020 7670 2985 for credit card booking, or 020 7409 2992 for further information.
tact Quotes

No rules,however wise, area substituteforaffectionand tact.

—Russell, Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl

Browse dictionary entries near tact

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