tactic

[tak-tik]

noun

1. tactics.

2. a system or a detail of tactics.

3. a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.

adjective

1. of or relating to arrangement or order; tactical.

-tactic

¹

combining form

1. having a specified kind of pattern or arrangement or having an orientation determined by a specified force

   syndiotactic

   phototactic

tactic

²

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

1. a piece of tactics; tactical move See also tactics

Other Word Forms

• nontactic noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactic¹

First recorded in 1560–70; New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikós “fit for arranging or ordering,” from tak-, base of tássein ( Attic táttein ) “to arrange, put in order” + -tikos -tic

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactic¹

from Greek taktikos relating to order or arrangement; see _tactics

Example Sentences

Apart from his impressive work in maintaining a successful team, even when it seemed all their stars were leaving in the summer, his tactics were spot on on Friday.

From BBC

They went to Harrah’s Casino in Valley Center the following week and allegedly employed the same tactics, winning $13,410, according to the release.

From Los Angeles Times

America’s most successful consumer boycotts have had a single target, a united body, and a straightforward tactic — a trajectory that could result in transformative change.

From Salon

The vice president is especially ham-fisted, but the tactic of using racism to persuade white voters to reject their economic self-interest is hardly new in Republican politics.

From Salon

Other administration officials have also defended its legal tactics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ploy