tact
noun
Did you know?
Do you change tack or tact?
Although some believe the word tact is short for tactics in phrases like "change tact" or "try a different tact," the correct word in such contexts is tack.
Tack in "change tack" and "try a different tack" means "a course or method of action especially when sharply divergent from that previously followed.”
Tack developed this meaning from its nautical applications. In sailing, tack can refer to the direction that a ship or boat is sailing in as it moves at an angle to the direction of the wind; or to a change from one direction to another direction; or to the distance traveled while sailing in a particular direction.
Tack developed the "course or method of action" meaning near the end of the 17th century; within 100 or so years, the phrase "change tack" was being used with the figurative meaning it has today.
While there is also a long history of people using tact where tack belongs, the use is widely shunned by usage guides, which means you might want to avoid it.
Did you know?
This word came to English directly from French (a Latin-based language), where it can also mean simply "sense of touch". Dealing with difficult situations involving other people can require the kind of extreme sensitivity that our fingertips possess. As Lincoln once said, "Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves", which doesn't usually come naturally. Someone tactful can soothe the feelings of the most difficult people; a tactless person will generally make a bad situation worse.
Synonyms
- diplomacy
- tactfulness
Example Sentences
Ana Marie Cox, Time, 24 Apr. 2006 The attorney general's lack of restraint and want of tact, on such an occasion … were clearly symptomatic of a considerable irritation, even rage. Christopher Hitchens, Harper's, March 2001 In society tact is the great art that makes for civility, for civilization … Jacques Barzun, From Dawn to Decadance, 2000 He did not clear his throat with badinage, as timidity teaches us to do, nor did he waste his breath with tact. Earl Shorris, Harper's, September 1997 A man of gentle mien, he is inclined to use psychology and tact, rather than showboat heroics, when pursuing his murder inquiries. Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review, 1 Jan. 1989 The peace talks required great tact on the part of both leaders. I was surprised by his lack of tact. See More Chris Morris, Fortune, 25 July 2022 This process encourages critical thinking, self-reflection and tact in verbalizing these improvements in a supportive way. Kate Gibbons, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022 Waterfall countertops are a statement, that’s for sure; which is why designing around them can require some tact in spatial planning. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 28 July 2022 He’s known for sharp elbows and a take-no-prisoners approach to political disputes, a tact that at times has angered progressive and centrist colleagues alike. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 25 July 2022 The family’s overall fortune, of course, remains very much in tact. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 July 2022 Tomasulo is helping keep a trend, set by other comics a few years ago, in tact by putting his special on YouTube, rather than court and rely on TV networks or streaming services. Scott King, Forbes, 24 June 2022 Shields was known on-air for his tact and wit in delivering incisive analysis and commentary about U.S. politics and policy battles in Washington. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 June 2022 Maybe this memory-holing doesn't matter with a movie like Holidate and an edit motivated by tact. Grayson Quay, The Week, 13 Feb. 2022 See More Word History
French, sense of touch, from Latin tactus, from tangere to touch — more at tangent entry 2
1797, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Kids Definition
tact
noun
tact
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- diplomacy
- manners
- tactfulness
- sensitivity
- consideration
- gallantry
- courtesy
- respect
- thoughtfulness
- grace
- considerateness
- politeness
- gracefulness
- etiquette
- poise
- graciousness
- civility
- finesse
- courteousness
- deference
- gentility
- dexterity
- suavity
- adroitness
- charm
- deftness
- regard
- delicacy
- suaveness
- savoir faire
- mannerliness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- tactlessness
- insensitivity
- clumsiness
- indelicacy
- discourtesy
- impoliteness
- brashness
- inconsideration
- inconsiderateness
- thoughtlessness
- disregard
- impoliteness
- awkwardness
- incivility
- boorishness
- disrespect
- rudeness
- impudence
- insolence
- ungraciousness
- discourteousness
- gracelessness
- impertinence
- loutishness
- brassiness
- maladroitness
- gaucheness
- disrespectfulness
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of tact are address, poise, and savoir faire. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.
The synonyms address and tact are sometimes interchangeable, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.
In some situations, the words poise and tact are roughly equivalent. However, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.
The words savoir faire and tact are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.