tactful
gb/tˈæktfəl/ us/tˈæktfəl/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
careful not to offend others
Careful with words and actions so you do not upset people.
Usage pattern:
be tactful (about [something]); tactful (in [something]); tactful with [someone]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse tactful (polite and careful) with tactical (related to strategy) or tactile (related to touch).
Synonyms
diplomatic (Often suggests managing relationships or conflict carefully.)
|
discreet (Emphasizes not saying too much or revealing sensitive information.)
|
considerate (Focuses on caring about other people’s feelings.)
|
sensitive (Highlights awareness of emotional impact.)
Antonyms
tactless (Not careful about others’ feelings; likely to offend.)
|
blunt (Very direct in a way that can seem rude or insensitive.)
Collocations
a tactful approach
|a tactful way (of saying something)
|a tactful response
|a tactful comment
|a tactful question
|a tactful refusal
|a tactful manner
|a tactful suggestion
|tactful handling (of a situation)
|be tactful with clients
Themes
communication
|social_skills
|emotions
|workplace
Examples
- She was tactful when she pointed out the error, so no one felt embarrassed.
- Try to be tactful when you bring up the budget cuts at the meeting.
- His tactful refusal kept the conversation friendly.
Learner examples
- Please be tactful when you talk to her.
- He gave tactful feedback.
Grammar
Dictionary form
tactful
IPA
GB/tˈæktfəl/
US/tˈæktfəl/
Syllables & stress
tact - ful (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (tact)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: tactful
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.