Tacit: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something understood or agreed upon without being stated aloud. Often used in social or professional situations to describe an unspoken understanding.

• There was a tacit agreement among the team members to support each other.
• His nod was a tacit signal that he agreed.

Refers to something suggested or understood without being directly expressed. Often used in formal or written communication.

• The rules were implicit in the instructions given.
• Her silence was taken as implicit consent.

Indicates something that is indicated or suggested without being directly stated. Commonly used in everyday conversation and informal writing.

• His tone of voice implied that he was not happy with the decision.
• The contract had implied terms about delivery time.

Describes something that is understood or agreed upon without being verbalized. Frequently used in personal relationships and informal scenarios.

• There was an unspoken rule in the family about not discussing financial matters at the dinner table.
• They had an unspoken understanding that they would always look out for each other.

Use 'tacit' when you want to describe something that is understood or implied without being stated directly.

• Their tacit approval was enough to move forward with the project.
• There was a tacit agreement between the two companies.

Use 'implicit agreement' to describe an agreement that is not directly stated but assumed to exist based on actions or circumstances.

• There was an implicit agreement that they would help each other in times of need.
• The implicit agreement among the team members was evident.

Use 'unspoken understanding' in situations where the understanding is mutual but not verbally expressed.

• They had an unspoken understanding about their roles in the project.
• With just a look, they shared an unspoken understanding.