tactfully
gb/tˈæktfəli/ us/tˈæktfəli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
politely without causing offence
In a polite and careful way, so you do not upset anyone.
Usage pattern:
tactfully + [verb/adjective]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse tactfully (with sensitivity) with tactically (with strategy). Also note tactful is an adjective; tactfully is an adverb.
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.)
Collocations
tactfully explain
|tactfully suggest
|tactfully point out
|tactfully ask
|tactfully tell
|tactfully refuse
|tactfully decline
|tactfully handle
|tactfully avoid
|tactfully worded
Themes
communication
|social_skills
|relationships
|workplace
|conflict_resolution
Examples
- She tactfully changed the topic when the conversation became awkward.
- He tactfully pointed out a few problems without blaming anyone.
- The manager tactfully explained why the request couldn’t be approved.
Learner examples
- Please speak tactfully to your customer.
- She answered tactfully.
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.
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.
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.