tact
word
Definition
The ability to say or do things in a way that does not upset or offend other people; sensitivity in dealing with others.
Usage & Nuances
Fairly formal and often used to describe communication skills, especially in sensitive situations. Phrases: 'handle with tact', 'show tact', 'lack tact'. Different from 'polite'—tact includes both kindness and skillful judgment.
Spanish: tactoPortuguese (BR): tatoPortuguese (PT): tactoChinese (Simplified): 圆滑 - 得体Chinese (Traditional): 圓滑 - 得體Hindi: कूटनीति - समझदारीArabic: لباقةBengali: কৌশল - বিবেচনাRussian: тактJapanese: 気配り - 配慮Vietnamese: khéo léo - tế nhịKorean: 배려 - 요령Turkish: nezaket - incelikUrdu: فہم و فراست - معاملہ فہمیIndonesian: takt - kepekaan
Example Sentences
He always speaks with tact when giving feedback.
basic
It takes tact to talk about personal topics.
basic
I love how you handled that awkward moment with so much tact.
natural
Sometimes a little tact goes a long way at work.
natural
He means well, but sometimes he just doesn't have any tact.
natural
She handled the complaint with great tact.
basic