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Tact

n. thoughtful, kind everyday

What it means

Skill in handling a sensitive exchange honestly without causing needless offense.

Reach for it when praising judgment that protects dignity while still addressing the real issue

Her tact let her correct the false claim without embarrassing the new volunteer.

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
playful
everyday
warm
professional
formal
literary

  • playful

    savvy

    Fits when practical social know-how suits an informal voice

    Careful Savvy can imply shrewd self-interest rather than care for another person's dignity.

  • everyday

    courtesy

    Fits when manners and respectful conduct are sufficient

    Careful Courtesy can remain superficial when a hard truth must be handled carefully.

  • warm

    consideration

    Fits when attention to another person's needs deserves emphasis

    Careful Consideration is broader than navigating an awkward message or social danger.

  • warm

    sensitivity

    Fits when noticing emotional cues is the main strength

    Careful Sensitivity can register hurt without supplying the judgment needed to respond well.

  • professional

    diplomacy

    Fits when preserving cooperation during disagreement is central

    Careful Diplomacy can involve strategic compromise, while tact may simply govern how a truth is expressed.

  • professional

    judgment

    Fits when choosing the right action matters more than manner

    Careful Good judgment can be blunt, so it misses tact's concern with social impact.

  • formal

    discretion

    Fits when restraint about private or risky information matters

    Careful Discretion favors silence or privacy and does not necessarily include skillful direct speech.

  • literary

    finesse

    Fits when delicate skill makes a difficult maneuver look easy

    Careful Finesse may praise technique without any kindness or honesty toward another person.

Opposites 3

  • tactlessness
  • insensitivity
  • bluntness

Common phrases 3

  • show tact

    Leaders show tact when they correct the record without assigning public blame.

  • great tact

    She used great tact while explaining why the invitation could not be extended.

  • tact and discretion

    Tact and discretion kept the mediation both candid and private.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Commander Keane, Australian accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated