tactfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tactfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the manner in which someone communicates or acts, especially in sensitive situations where diplomacy is required. Example: "She tactfully addressed the issue during the meeting, ensuring that everyone's feelings were considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not really my kind of thing to go naming names," Feehily tactfully says, "but very recently we recorded a song purely because of who wrote it, and I just didn't like it and I was against recording it, but because of who wrote it, I think people put all their belief into it.

The Guardian - Music

As Father Lombardi tactfully put it, they spoke "freely and with rather effective colour".

The Economist

The ARF was supposed to be a way of engaging China, and tactfully addressing worries about its growing military clout.

The Economist

Whereas Mr Streiff would take umbrage at any perceived interference from the family-dominated supervisory board, the unflappable Mr Varin is tactfully enthusiastic about working with the Peugeots who, he says, bring with them a strong set of values, like Mr Tata.

The Economist

Kashmir-oriented groups, meanwhile, are to be handled more tactfully, partly to keep pressure on India and partly to discourage them from making common cause with other jihadi groups.The backlash has begun.

The Economist

He was tactfully seated beneath a photo of Robert Kennedy (though he also had to look at another of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara).After two hours of talks, Mr Renzi declared that he and Mr Berlusconi were in "profound harmony" and announced an agreement that, if implemented, could bring much-needed political stability to a country that has been economically stagnant for over a decade.

The Economist

In their joint press conference, he echoed Israel's demand that Mr Abbas abandon his pre-condition of an Israeli halt to settlement construction to talks, albeit more tactfully.

The Economist

This time, the government has clearly won, but its generals tactfully avoid the word "victory".

The Economist

Just what that is responding to is left tactfully unclear.

The Economist

But Messrs Gerth and Van Natta contend that she did not read a classified National Intelligence Estimate she had been given before that vote.Probably Mrs Clinton's most troubling quality is what Mr Bernstein tactfully calls her "difficult relationship with the truth".

The Economist

PERCHED in front of a tactfully disguised Lenin mausoleum in Moscow's Red Square, Russia's Vladimir Putin, America's George Bush and dozens of other world leaders plus Britain's John Prescott watched a parade on May 9th to mark the 60th anniversary of victory in Europe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delivering sensitive feedback, use "tactfully" to describe how you can soften the blow while still conveying the necessary information. For example, "He tactfully pointed out the errors in the report without making anyone feel incompetent".

Common error

Avoid using "tactfully" to describe actions that are inherently aggressive or insincere. "Tactfully" implies genuine consideration for others' feelings, so using it to mask manipulation or aggression creates dissonance.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "tactfully" modifies verbs to describe actions performed with sensitivity and skill in order to avoid causing offense or disruption. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of "tactfully". Examples include handling delicate situations or delivering difficult news with consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tactfully" is an adverb used to describe actions performed with sensitivity and consideration, aiming to avoid causing offense or discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral to professional register. Key alternatives include "diplomatically" and "discreetly". When using "tactfully", ensure it aligns with the intended message of consideration and avoid misapplying it in aggressive contexts. Overall, understanding and applying "tactfully" enriches communication by adding a layer of thoughtfulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diplomatically

Implies skill in handling delicate situations or people.

discreetly

Suggests acting with prudence and restraint to avoid causing offense or drawing attention.

sensitively

Highlights an awareness of and consideration for the feelings of others.

prudently

Emphasizes careful and wise handling of situations to avoid negative consequences.

judiciously

Indicates the use of good judgment to avoid causing upset or conflict.

circumspectly

Suggests being cautious and unwilling to take risks.

carefully

Highlights attention to detail and thoughtfulness in one's actions or words.

thoughtfully

Indicates consideration for the impact of one's actions on others.

with finesse

Suggests skillful and delicate handling of a situation.

with delicacy

Implies a gentle and refined approach to avoid causing offense.

FAQs

How can I use "tactfully" in a sentence?

"Tactfully" is used to describe doing something in a way that avoids causing offense or revealing private information. For example, "She "tactfully declined" the invitation to avoid hurting anyone's feelings".

What are some synonyms for "tactfully"?

Alternatives to "tactfully" include "diplomatically", "discreetly", and "sensitively", each emphasizing different aspects of handling situations with care.

Is it correct to say someone "tactfully ignored" a situation?

Yes, "tactfully ignored" is a valid usage. It suggests that someone deliberately chose not to address something to avoid conflict or embarrassment. This is a common construction, as shown in the example, "They could be "tactfully ignored"".

What's the difference between "tactfully" and "diplomatically"?

"Tactfully" generally refers to handling personal interactions with sensitivity and grace, while "diplomatically" often relates to managing relationships between groups or nations with skill and negotiation.