tacit

/ˈtæsɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈæsɪt] /ˈtæsɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈæsɪt] /ˈta-sət How to pronounce tacit (audio)/ (ame, mw)

tacit — adjective

  • tacitpositive
  • more tacitcomparative
  • most tacitsuperlative

1. shared or accepted by people even though nobody says it plainly.

1.形容詞C1
釋義

shared or accepted by people even though nobody says it plainly.

例句

The team had a tacit rule that phones stayed off during rehearsals.

common collocation: tacit rule / tacit agreement

By smiling and stepping aside, Shanti gave tacit approval to the plan.

collocation: tacit approval

同義詞
  • implicit

    broader; can describe meaning built into a situation, while 'tacit' often suggests silent agreement between people

  • unspoken

    neutral everyday choice for something not said aloud

  • assumed

    stresses that people treat something as true, even without checking it openly

  • understood

    plainest option; 'tacit' is more formal and often used in set phrases

反義詞
  • explicit

    stated clearly and directly

  • spoken

    put into actual words rather than left unspoken

  • open

    discussed publicly instead of left to silent agreement

用法筆記

Usually modifies nouns such as agreement, approval, consent, support, or assumption. The key idea is that people act as if something has been accepted without stating it directly.

常見錯誤

❌We had a tacit conversation about the budget.
✅We had an open conversation about the budget.
💡if people discuss something in words, it is no longer tacit.
❌The manager gave tacit instructions in a long speech.
✅The manager gave clear instructions in a long speech.
💡spoken directions are direct, not tacit.

2. keeping the real message or attitude in the background instead of putting it int

2.形容詞C2
釋義

keeping the real message or attitude in the background instead of putting it into clear words.

例句

Aylin's tacit criticism of the menu made the new chef uneasy.

common collocation: tacit criticism

The report was tacit about who caused the fire in the warehouse.

pattern: be tacit about [issue]

同義詞
  • indirect

    the broad everyday word; 'tacit' is more formal and often quieter in tone

  • guarded

    stresses caution and self-control in what someone chooses not to say

  • understated

    suggests deliberate restraint, especially in criticism or warning

  • hinted

    focuses on meaning being suggested rather than stated

反義詞
  • direct

    says the point plainly

  • open

    shows feelings or criticism without hiding them

  • blunt

    very direct, sometimes uncomfortably so

用法筆記

Often describes criticism, warning, refusal, or a text that avoids a blunt statement. Distinguish from sense 1: here the focus is on indirect expression, not shared silent agreement.

常見錯誤

❌Her tacit email listed every complaint clearly.
✅Her direct email listed every complaint clearly.
💡if the message says everything openly, it is the opposite of tacit.
❌The article was tacit because it explained the policy in detail.
✅The article was detailed because it explained the policy in detail.
💡a full explanation is not tacit.