tactful

/ˈtæktfəl/

/ˈtæktfəl/

If you are tactful, you have a knack for saying the right thing at the right time. A tactful person is appropriate and sensitive, never rude or careless.

Tactful means "full of tact." What's tact? It's the gift for saying the right thing because you understand what the situation calls for. So, if you are tactful, you wouldn't tell your friend that the food at her party was awful — you'd talk about the interesting conversation you had and the great music. But even when tactful people have to give criticism, they do it in such a way that the other person doesn't get offended.

Definitions of tactful

1. adjective

   having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
   “she was tactful enough not to shatter his illusion”

   “a tactful remark eased her embarrassment”

   synonyms:

   considerate

   showing concern for the rights and feelings of others

   discerning, discreet

   unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic

   antonyms:

   tactless

   lacking or showing a lack of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others

   inconsiderate

   lacking regard for the rights or feelings of others

   inelegant

   lacking in refinement or grace or good taste
2. adjective

   showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with people
   “a tactful way of correcting someone”

   synonyms: kid-glove

   diplomatic, diplomatical

   using or marked by tact in dealing with sensitive matters or people