Word
tactile
Phoneticstac·tile, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtækˌtaɪɫ/
UK/tˈæktaɪl/
Definitions
01relating to touch
C1 · Advanced Academic · Technical
adj. relating to the sense of touch.
adj. pertaining to the sense of touch or the perception of physical contact.
Español:táctil
“The museum has a tactile exhibit where you can feel the different fabrics.”
“The brain processes tactile information through the somatosensory cortex, allowing us to distinguish between various textures and temperatures.”
Synonyms
02tangible or physical
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. describes something that you can feel with your hands or that has a clear physical texture.
adj. perceptible by touch; having a physical presence or texture that is central to its function or appeal.
Español:táctil
“I prefer reading paper books because I like the tactile feeling of the pages.”
“The architect selected materials with high tactile appeal, such as rough-hewn stone and polished timber, to create a sensory experience for visitors.”
Antonyms
03prone to touching people
C1 · Advanced Informal
adj. describes a person who likes to touch other people, for example by hugging them or putting a hand on their arm.
adj. inclined to use physical contact as a primary means of communication or expression of affection.
“He is a very tactile person and always gives his friends a big hug.”
“Growing up in a tactile family meant that she was always comfortable with physical displays of affection, such as holding hands or frequent embraces.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“You can feel the difference when holding the phone, and while it doesn’t affect usability, it’s a little strange from a tactile perspective.” “It’s a change Apple made in most of its laptops a decade or so ago, and the situation is similar here: it’s different , and it’s not quite as tactile as a “real” click.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French tactile, from Latin tactilis (“that may be touched, tangible”), from tangere (“to touch”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/tactile
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0