tact
/ˈtækt/
skill in handling delicate situations without giving offense
tact in a sentence
“She delivered the bad news with such tact that he thanked her for it.”
Origin of tact
Latin tactus (touch), sense of delicate handling
Related Words
discretion
knowing when to speak and when to remain silent
reading the room
sensing the mood and adjusting accordingly
code-switching
adjusting language, tone, or behavior for different contexts
register
the level of formality appropriate to a situation
subtext
the underlying meaning beneath what's explicitly said
rapport
a harmonious, trusting connection between people