noun
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tact
takt
Tact (noun) means Skill in dealing with people or delicate situations without causing offense, even when being honest. Example: “She handled the layoffs with remarkable tact.”
noun
1
Skill in dealing with people or delicate situations without causing offense, even when being honest.
"She handled the layoffs with remarkable tact."
"It takes tact to tell a friend their idea won't work."
How to use tact
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ability to say or do the right thing in a sensitive situation without upsetting anyone.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "tack" — a change in approach, as in "try a different tack," which is unrelated despite sounding similar.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
handle with tact
a lack of tact
diplomatic tact
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Word forms
- Plural
- tacts
- Third person singular
- tacts
- Past tense
- tacted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She handled the layoffs with remarkable _____.
Etymology
From French tact, itself from Latin tactus, "touch" — the idea of a sensitive, careful "touch" in dealing with people.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for tact
See all rhymes for tact →Frequently asked questions
What does “tact” mean?
The word “tact” means skill in dealing with people or delicate situations without causing offense, even when being honest. In plain terms, the ability to say or do the right thing in a sensitive situation without upsetting anyone.
How do you pronounce “tact”?
“Tact” is pronounced takt (/tækt/ in IPA).
How do you use “tact” in a sentence?
Here is “tact” used in a sentence: “She handled the layoffs with remarkable tact.”
What part of speech is “tact”?
“Tact” is a noun.
Where does the word “tact” come from?
The word “tact” comes from Latin. From French tact, itself from Latin tactus, "touch" — the idea of a sensitive, careful "touch" in dealing with people.
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