tactful

[ takt-fuhl ]

adjective

1. having or manifesting tact:

   a tactful person;

   a tactful reply.

Other Words From

• tact·ful·ly adverb
• tact·ful·ness noun
• un·tact·ful adjective
• un·tact·ful·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactful¹

First recorded in 1860–65; tact + -ful

Synonym Study

See diplomatic.

Example Sentences

Miss Manners understands your mother-in-law’s not wanting to put friends and family to work, although she might have found a more tactful way to express it to your wife.

From Washington Post

The response from the national Kappa KappaGamma organization took a very similar, albeit more tactful, approach.

From The Daily Beast

Various media outfits have already praised Beyoncé and Jay Z's tactful approach to their Anne Frank House experience.

From The Daily Beast

The tactful Hamad manages to patch up relations, and the two are photographed sitting together on a sofa later that day.

From The Daily Beast

Similarly, in pop culture, the man who was originally deemed inadequate is lifted to her level through tactful speech.

From The Daily Beast

I think that is going to change, and the most vivid, tactful demonstration of change is the election of Obama.

From The Daily Beast

But she was a very tactful person and was about to drop the subject, when Isabel slowly turned her eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

He had tried to soften his reply, but not being politic or tactful had succeeded only in expressing himself more brusquely.

From Project Gutenberg

This, or else a tactful absenteeism, became their custom whenever licencing matters came up to be discussed.

From Project Gutenberg

He felt he had not been tactful, but he was very tired, and if he ventured an explanation might make things worse.

From Project Gutenberg

No one knew how to flatter in so tactful a manner, particularly in portraits of ladies.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• courteous
• discreet
• judicious
• perceptive
• polite
• prudent