Word
tactful
Phoneticstact·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtæktfəɫ/
UK/tˈæktfəl/
Definition
adj. careful not to say or do things that could upset or embarrass other people. You are being this when you handle a difficult situation with kindness and skill.
adj. showing sensitivity and skill in dealing with others or with difficult issues. Often used to describe communication that avoids giving offence while remaining honest.
Examples
“He gave a tactful answer to the difficult question.”
“The manager was very tactful when she told him that his performance needed to improve.”
“Diplomats must remain tactful even during heated negotiations, as a single poorly chosen word could derail months of progress toward a peaceful resolution.”
Examples
simple
“He gave a tactful answer to the difficult question.”
contextual
“The manager was very tactful when she told him that his performance needed to improve.”
complex
“Diplomats must remain tactful even during heated negotiations, as a single poorly chosen word could derail months of progress toward a peaceful resolution.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tactful” in context.
Verb
01. remain tactful
“Please remain tactful when you discuss the redundancies with staff.”
verb + adj
02. seem tactful
“It seemed tactful to change the subject away from money.”
verb + adj
03. stay tactful
“She managed to stay tactful despite his rude comments.”
verb + adj
04. tactful about
“Be tactful about his weight; he is very sensitive.”
adj + prep
Adjective
05. highly tactful
“She was highly tactful when telling him he hadn't got the job.”
adv + adj
06. perfectly tactful
“Your email was perfectly tactful and avoided any criticism.”
adv + adj
07. quite tactful
“His reply was quite tactful and did not offend anyone.”
adv + adj
08. remarkably tactful
“He was remarkably tactful about her recent divorce.”
adv + adj
09. a tactful way to say
“Is there a tactful way to say his work is not good enough?”
10. be tactful about sensitive issues
“You need to be tactful about sensitive issues like age.”
11. remain tactful under pressure
“Good leaders remain tactful under pressure during a crisis.”
12. send a tactful reminder
“I will send a tactful reminder about tomorrow's payment deadline.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe people, remarks, or behavior; often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.
Etymology
From tact + -ful, a 19th-century formation derived from the Latin tactus, meaning the sense of touch.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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