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be tactful
/biː ˈtæktfəl/
diplomatic and considerate in speech or actions
She knew how to be tactful when giving feedback to her team.
She used diplomacy and consideration when providing constructive criticism.
formalinformal
To express oneself in a way that is sensitive to others' feelings and avoids causing offense.
He was always tactful when discussing sensitive topics with clients.
He handled delicate subjects with care and respect.
Being tactful means choosing your words carefully to avoid hurting someone's feelings.
It involves being mindful of how your words might affect others.
Tactfulness is often required in professional, social, and interpersonal settings.
Collocations
be tactful withto be considerate when dealing with someonetactful responsea polite and diplomatic reply
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Practice Active Listening
Pay attention to others' reactions to gauge how your words are being received.
Use Positive Framing
Instead of saying 'You did this wrong,' try 'Here’s a better way to approach this.'
Gold Rule
Prioritize Empathy
Always consider how your words might make others feel before speaking.
Word Origin
From the noun 'tact,' which comes from the Latin 'tactus,' meaning 'touch' or 'sense of touch.' The phrase emphasizes the ability to 'feel' or sense others' emotions.
Usage Notes
Being tactful is essential in communication to maintain harmony and respect. It often involves avoiding direct criticism and framing feedback positively.
Word Breakdown
be
auxiliary verb indicating state or action
roottactful
showing skill in dealing with others without causing offense
adjectiveEnglish Dictionary