tact

American  

[takt] / tækt /

noun

1. a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

   Synonyms:

   poise, diplomacy, sensitivity, perception

2. a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination.

3. touch or the sense of touch.

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tact British  

/ tækt /

noun

1. a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others, so as to avoid giving offence or to win good will; discretion

2. skill or judgment in handling difficult or delicate situations; diplomacy

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Other Word Forms

• tactful adjective
• tactfully adverb
• tactfulness noun
• tactless adjective
• tactlessly adverb
• tactlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of tact

First recorded in 1150–1200; from Latin tāctus “sense of touch,” equivalent to tag-, variant stem of tangere “to touch” + -tus suffix of verbal action

Example Sentences

And the creator of the video is not known for his delicacy or tact.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2026

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., criticized the president for his lack of tact.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025

The Oxnard team repaired and replaced necessary interior and exterior pieces while keeping the bus’ ’70s spirit in tact.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

What distinguishes Mr. Zipperstein’s volume—composed with the tact of a historian who has read the archives and the novels with equal care—is how deliberately it resists the temptations that have undone earlier efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

With great tact the visitors continued, ‘Is it possible for you and your husband to encourage your children to practice their English when they are home?’

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Related Words

• common-sense
• discretion
• prudence
• refinement
• sensitivity
• subtlety