Definition

Adjective 1. Understood or implied without being directly stated: Refers to something that is communicated or agreed upon through actions, circumstances, or shared understanding, rather than through explicit words or writing. 2. Silently given or present: Describes consent, knowledge, or agreement that is not verbally expressed but is nonetheless real and operative.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage: Used to describe agreements, understandings, consent, or assumptions that are not formally declared.
  • There was a tacit agreement among the team members to start work early. (The agreement was understood by everyone's actions, not by a spoken rule.)
  • Her tacit approval was shown by her lack of objection. (Her approval was implied because she did not say "no.")
• In Formal Contexts: Often used in legal, business, or diplomatic language to describe unspoken rules or conditions.
  • The contract contained several tacit understandings that were not written down.
  • A tacit ceasefire was observed by both armies.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Tacit Knowledge: A specialized term referring to knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by writing it down or verbalizing it (e.g., the skill of riding a bicycle).
  • Much of a master craftsman's skill is tacit knowledge.
• Tacit Assumption: A belief that is so fundamental it is taken for granted and not discussed.
  • The argument was based on the tacit assumption that all participants were acting in good faith.

Variants and Related Words

• Tacitly (adverb): In a tacit manner; by unspoken agreement.
  • The policy was tacitly accepted by the entire department.
• Tacitness (noun): The quality or state of being tacit. (This form is rare but used in academic discussions, particularly about knowledge.)

Synonyms

• Implied: Suggested without being directly expressed.
• Unspoken: Not stated in words.
• Implicit: Implied though not plainly expressed.
• Understood: Agreed upon without needing to be discussed.

Antonyms

• Explicit: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
• Express: Definitely stated, not implied.
• Declared: Announced or stated openly.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Tacit consent/agreement/approval: The most common collocations. They refer to permission or accord that is given through silence or lack of opposition, rather than active affirmation.
  • By not vetoing the proposal, the manager gave it her tacit approval.

Adjective

1. implied by or inferred from actions or statements
   • gave silent consent
   • a tacit agreement
   • the understood provisos of a custody agreement