tact
[ takt ]
/ tækt /
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noun
a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.
a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination.
touch or the sense of touch.
OTHER WORDS FOR tact
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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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for tact
tact
/ (tækt) /
noun
a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others, so as to avoid giving offence or to win good will; discretion
skill or judgment in handling difficult or delicate situations; diplomacy
Derived forms of tact
Word Origin for tact
C17: from Latin tactus a touching, from tangere to touch
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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