noun
tact
takt
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
Word Forms
tacted past tense, tacts plural, tacts singular
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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.