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tactful

Adjective

IPA /ˈtæktfʊl/

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Meaning in plain English

Careful about how you speak or act in a sensitive situation so that you avoid upsetting or embarrassing someone.

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Pronunciation

tactful/ˈtæktfʊl/

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You are terrible at this
Shall we try this part another way?

A tactful suggestion addresses a problem without needlessly hurting feelings.

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She found a tactful way to say the music was too loud.
His tactful feedback helped the new employee improve without feeling embarrassed.

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She found a ________ way to say the music was too loud.

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tactful — Careful about how you speak or act in a sensitive situation so that you avoid upsetting or embarrassing someone.

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Careful about how you speak or act in a sensitive situation so that you avoid upsetting or embarrassing someone.

Compare: She found a tactful way to say the music was too loud.

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Word origin

Formed from tact and the adjective ending -ful.

Did you know?

Tactfully is the adverb: you can tactfully suggest a change.

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