Words to use
tactful
/ˈtækt.fəl/ · adjective
Careful not to upset or offend while dealing with something difficult.
Tone
Considerate and socially aware.
When it earns its place
Use tactful when...
Use it when someone protects another person's dignity without hiding the point.
Three natural examples
01She found a tactful way to decline the invitation.
02The doctor was honest but tactful.
03A tactful question gave him room to explain.
Watch the fit
When to choose another word
Tactful does not mean evasive. If someone avoided the truth entirely, diplomatic may not rescue the description either.
Common slip
Meaning is only half the job
Tactful describes the handling of a sensitive matter. It is stronger than merely being polite.
Use it today
Rewrite one blunt sentence so it stays honest but becomes tactful.
At the time you chose, Idiolect would remind you to say the sentence back. The AI assesses whether the word fits what you meant.
Download on the App Store