tactfully
gb/tˈæktfəli/ us/tˈæktfəli/
B2
English
tapintatosan
B2
1
tapintatosan
B2
Usage pattern:
tactfully + [verb/adjective]
She tactfully changed the topic when the conversation became awkward.
Amikor a beszélgetés kínossá vált, tapintatosan másra terelte a szót.
He tactfully pointed out a few problems without blaming anyone.
Tapintatosan rámutatott néhány problémára anélkül, hogy bárkit hibáztatott volna.
The manager tactfully explained why the request couldn’t be approved.
Learner examples
Please speak tactfully to your customer.
Kérem, beszéljen tapintatosan az ügyfelével.
She answered tactfully.
Tapintatosan válaszolt.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse tactfully (with sensitivity) with tactically (with strategy). Also note tactful is an adjective; tactfully is an adverb.
Meaning
politely without causing offence
Collocations
tactfully explain
|tactfully suggest
|tactfully point out
|tactfully ask
|tactfully tell
|tactfully refuse
|tactfully decline
|tactfully handle
|tactfully avoid
|tactfully worded
Synonyms
diplomatically (Often implies careful negotiation as well as politeness.)
|
discreetly (Emphasizes being careful and not drawing attention.)
|
considerately (Highlights thinking about others’ feelings.)
|
politely (More general; may not imply handling something delicate.)
Antonyms
tactlessly (In a way that is insensitive or likely to offend.)
|
bluntly (In a direct way that may sound harsh.)
|
rudely (In an impolite way, showing little respect.)
Themes
communication
|social_skills
|relationships
|workplace
|conflict_resolution
Definition
In a polite and careful way, so you do not upset anyone.
In a way that shows sensitivity to other people’s feelings and avoids causing offence, especially when dealing with a difficult topic or situation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
tactfully
IPA
GB/tˈæktfəli/
US/tˈæktfəli/
Syllables & stress
tact - fully (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (tact)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: tactfully
- Plural: tactfullies
Expressions
tactfully change the subject
1/tˈæktfəli t͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ ðə sˈʌbd͡ʒɪkt/
fixed phrase
switch topics to avoid awkwardness
Change the topic politely.
Examples
- She tactfully changed the subject when politics came up.
- He tactfully changed the subject to avoid discussing his salary.
- I tried to tactfully change the subject, but they kept asking.
Learner examples
- He tactfully changed the subject.
tactfully decline
1/tˈæktfəli dɪklˈaɪn/
fixed phrase
refuse politely
Say no politely.
Examples
- She tactfully declined the invitation because she was already busy.
- He tactfully declined to comment on the rumour.
- We tactfully declined their offer and suggested another option.
Learner examples
- I tactfully declined the offer.
to put it tactfully
1/tə pˈʊt ˈɪt tˈæktfəli/
fixed phrase
introduce a softened criticism
I will say this in a polite way.
Examples
- To put it tactfully, the presentation needed more structure.
- To put it tactfully, he wasn’t prepared for the interview.
- To put it tactfully, your email came across as a bit abrupt.
Learner examples
- To put it tactfully, I disagree.