Tactless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tactless

[หˆtรฆktlษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

social interaction

Having or showing a lack of sensitivity towards others; being blunt or insensitive in one's remarks or behavior.

Synonyms

blunt, brash, indelicate, insensitive.

Examples of usage

  • She made a tactless comment about his weight.
  • His tactless behavior offended many people at the party.
  • Don't be so tactless, think about how your words may affect others.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who are tactless may struggle with empathy, which affects their ability to understand how their words impact others.
  • Social skills training often emphasizes the importance of tact in building relationships and avoiding misunderstandings.

Literature

  • In literature, tactless characters often create conflict, revealing their flaws and adding to the storyโ€™s drama.
  • Writers use tactless characters to highlight social norms and expectations within a narrative, providing humor or tension.

Pop Culture

  • Reality shows often feature tactless moments for comedic effect, enhancing the drama and interactions between characters.
  • Comedians frequently use tactless remarks as a tool to poke fun at social situations, drawing laughs through awkwardness.

Communication

  • Tactless comments in conversation can lead to misunderstandings, making it crucial to choose words carefully, especially in sensitive discussions.
  • Training in communication skills emphasizes the balance between honesty and tact to enhance understanding in dialogues.

Origin of 'tactless'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tactless' comes from 'tact,' which means being sensitive to others' feelings, combined with the suffix '-less' meaning without.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 19th century, capturing a social concern for polite communication.

The word 'tactless' originated in the early 20th century, combining the word 'tact' meaning skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations, and the suffix '-less' indicating the absence of tact. It emphasizes the importance of being considerate and diplomatic in social interactions.


See also: intact, tactful, tactfully, tactic, tactile.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,183 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.