tactful
Definition
- Adjective:
- Showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with people: Possessing or demonstrating the ability to handle delicate social situations and communicate with others in a way that avoids giving offense or causing upset.
- Having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others: Demonstrating a keen awareness of what is appropriate and thoughtful in interpersonal interactions.
Usage
The adjective "tactful" describes a person, their behavior, or their communication. It is used to praise someone's diplomatic skill in navigating social complexities. It often modifies nouns like person, remark, way, manner, response, or approach.
Examples
- Adjective:
- She gave a tactful response to the difficult question.
- A tactful manager knows how to deliver constructive criticism.
- It was very tactful of you not to mention the incident.
- He handled the client's complaint in a tactful manner.
Advanced Usage
- "to be tactful enough to do something": Used to highlight that someone's consideration successfully prevented a negative outcome.
- He was tactful enough to change the subject when the conversation became uncomfortable.
Variants and Related Words
- Tactfully (adverb): In a tactful manner.
- She tactfully suggested a different approach.
- Tact (noun): The quality of being tactful.
- He handled the situation with great tact.
- Tactless (adjective): The opposite of tactful; lacking sensitivity.
- His tactless comment hurt her feelings.
Synonyms
- Diplomatic: Skilled in dealing with sensitive matters or people.
- Discreet: Careful and prudent in one's speech or actions to avoid causing offense.
- Considerate: Thoughtful of the feelings and circumstances of others.
- Polite: Showing good manners and respect for others.
Antonyms
- Tactless: Lacking sensitivity.
- Blunt: Direct and uncompromising in speech, often without regard for feelings.
- Indiscreet: Lacking discretion; revealing things that should be private.
- Inconsiderate: Thoughtless of others' feelings or needs.
Idioms and Phrases
- Kid-glove treatment (related idiom): Handling someone or something with extreme care, delicacy, and tact.
- The sensitive issue required kid-glove treatment from the negotiators.
Adjective
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showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with people
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by diplomatic conduct he avoided antagonizing anyone
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a tactful way of correcting someone
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the agency got the kid-glove treatment on Capitol Hill
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having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
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she was tactful enough not to shatter his illusion
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a tactful remark eased her embarrassment
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