Definition of tact

< tacrine

tactful >

tact    (tkt) KEY 

NOUN:

1. Acute sensitivity to what is proper and appropriate in dealing with others, including the ability to speak or act without offending.
2. Archaic The sense of touch.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French, from Old French, sense of touch, from Latin tctus, from past participle of tangere, to touch; see tag- in Indo-European roots

SYNONYMS:
tact, address, diplomacy, savoir-faire

These nouns denote the ability to deal with others with skill, sensitivity, and finesse. Tact implies propriety and the ability to speak or act unoffensively: "He had . . . a tact that would preserve him from flagrant error in any society" (Francis Parkman). Address suggests deftness and grace in social situations: "With the charms of beauty she combined the address of an accomplished intriguer" (Charles Merivale). Diplomacy implies adroit management of difficult situations: Diffusing the confrontation required delicate diplomacy. Savoir-faire involves knowing the right or graceful thing to say or do: The hosts set the shy visitor at ease with their savoir-faire.