converted the novel into a play with remarkable skill and tact
Did you know?
Do you change tack or tact?
Although some believe the word tact is short for tactics in phrases like "change tact" or "try a different tact," the correct word in such contexts is tack.
Tack in "change tack" and "try a different tack" means "a course or method of action especially when sharply divergent from that previously followed.”
Tack developed this meaning from its nautical applications. In sailing, tack can refer to the direction that a ship or boat is sailing in as it moves at an angle to the direction of the wind; or to a change from one direction to another direction; or to the distance traveled while sailing in a particular direction.
Tack developed the "course or method of action" meaning near the end of the 17th century; within 100 or so years, the phrase "change tack" was being used with the figurative meaning it has today.
While there is also a long history of people using tact where tack belongs, the use is widely shunned by usage guides, which means you might want to avoid it.
Did you know?
This word came to English directly from French (a Latin-based language), where it can also mean simply "sense of touch". Dealing with difficult situations involving other people can require the kind of extreme sensitivity that our fingertips possess. As Lincoln once said, "Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves", which doesn't usually come naturally. Someone tactful can soothe the feelings of the most difficult people; a tactless person will generally make a bad situation worse.
tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.
questions showing a lack of tact
address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.
brought it off with remarkable address
poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.
answered the accusations with unruffled poise
savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.
the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler
Examples of tact in a Sentence
Far from joining polite society like the debutants of the past, the kids gleefully rip through social graces, alienating friends and sacrificing tact all in the name of creating a VIP room filled with people too young to drive themselves home.—Ana Marie Cox, Time, 24 Apr. 2006The attorney general's lack of restraint and want of tact, on such an occasion … were clearly symptomatic of a considerable irritation, even rage.—Christopher Hitchens, Harper's, March 2001In society tact is the great art that makes for civility, for civilization …—Jacques Barzun, From Dawn to Decadance, 2000He did not clear his throat with badinage, as timidity teaches us to do, nor did he waste his breath with tact.—Earl Shorris, Harper's, September 1997A man of gentle mien, he is inclined to use psychology and tact, rather than showboat heroics, when pursuing his murder inquiries.—Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review, 1 Jan. 1989
The peace talks required great tact on the part of both leaders.
I was surprised by his lack of tact.
Recent Examples on the WebSuccessful art works sense their audience’s aches and respond with exquisite tact.—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 May 2024 These plants have remained in tact along the riverbanks that were left as a buffer between the water and rice fields, narrowing to a point at the rivers’ confluence.—Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 29 Apr. 2024 Danza's lasting relationships and continued success on screens prove that even as the years pass, the actor's charisma remains in tact.—Staff Author, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024 Raine can have tact, like negotiating his team out of a dangerous basement, or use subtle brute force by sticking his finger into a fresh bullet wound in order to navigate difficult situations appropriately.—Derek Scancarelli, EW.com, 18 Dec. 2023 Communicate Clearly With Compassion Handling your first termination with tact begins with clear, compassionate communication.—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 Judith’s relationships with various characters on the show, from Daryl to Negan and beyond, kept the original beating heart of the Grimes family firmly in tact for the final few seasons.—Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Mar. 2024 But after working in a place that snatches souls… mine is in tact and of the light.—Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024 That’s a pretty damning insight into the electric car market across America, and could explain why a company such as Ford is reportedly changing its tact and switching from big, expensive EVs to smaller, cheaper models.—Owen Bellwood / Jalopnik, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tact.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French, sense of touch, from Latin tactus, from tangere to touch — more at tangent entry 2
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