tactful — having or showing skill in dealing with people or difficult situations without causing offense
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having or showing skill in dealing with people or difficult situations without causing offense
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtæktfəl/
Example Sentences
- My mom is so tactful - she told my dad his new haircut looked 'very modern' instead of 'like a pineapple'.
- The manager was tactful enough to suggest 'team restructuring' rather than announcing layoffs directly.
- Being tactful in international business meetings can make or break important deals.
tactful
ADJECTIVE[/ˈtæktfəl/]
having or showing skill in dealing with people or difficult situations without causing offense
She gave tactful feedback so her friend wouldn't feel hurt.
Being tactful and skillful melts even the willful!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'tactus' (to touch, contact), the word evolved to signify 'knowing appropriate contact and approach.' The metaphorical sense developed from the physical act of handling something delicately, extending to the ability to handle situations carefully and sensitively.
Breakdown
tact (from Latin tactus, meaning touch or sense of touch) + -ful (full of, characterized by), literally meaning 'full of tactile sensitivity' or 'possessing good judgment in handling situations.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom is so tactful - she told my dad his new haircut looked 'very modern' instead of 'like a pineapple'.”
“The manager was tactful enough to suggest 'team restructuring' rather than announcing layoffs directly.”
“Being tactful in international business meetings can make or break important deals.”
“She tactfully changed the subject when her friend started bragging about her ex-boyfriend again.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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