Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • adjective Possessing or exhibiting tact; considerate and discreet.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • Having or manifesting tact; possessing or arising from nice discernment.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adjective Full of tact; characterized by a discerning sense of what is right, proper, or judicious.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective Possessing tact; able to deal with people in a sensitive manner.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with people
  • adjective having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others

Etymologies

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Examples

  • I would have tried to remain tactful, but I definitely would have spoken up.

    Apoxalyptic ewe are here 2008

  • Once the business is given the tools needed to streamline its processes, it's crucial for IT to remain tactful.

    Lessons in Successful BPM from Lincoln Trust Marketa Hulpcachova 2010

  • Such, then, is the man who observes the mean, whether he be called tactful or ready-witted.

    The Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle 2002

  • The girl proved her right to be called tactful, and, seeing her advantage, followed it up quickly by a few bright words.

    A Voice in the Wilderness Grace Livingston Hill 1906

  • Such, then, is the man who observes the mean, whether he be called tactful or ready-witted.

    The NICOMACHEAN ETHICS Aristotle 1865

  • If you lean towards "tactful," the less emotional people people in your life may feel frustrated, wanting you to just "spit it out, already."

    Debbie Robins: How To Tell The Truth At Work Debbie Robins 2011

  • If you lean towards "tactful," the less emotional people people in your life may feel frustrated, wanting you to just "spit it out, already."

    Debbie Robins: How To Tell The Truth At Work Debbie Robins 2011

  • David, anything to say about the 'tactful' Hamas charter that orders the indiscriminate killing of all Jews?

    On Thursday, the Legg report will be published along with... 2009

  • I'm not a fan of censorship, but there is a balance to be struck between an artist's exploration in subject and media, and resulting useful (read in part, "tactful") artwork.

    Catholic's Criticism of Art Misguided? 2008

  • For me, tactful and tacky are not opposites, because "tactful" can only be used to refer to things people say, and "tacky" can only be used of actual objects or colour schemes, or clothes or whatever, but definitely physical things.

    Tactful StyleyGeek 2007

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