tactfully
/ˈtæktfəli/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈæktfəli] /ˈtæktfəli/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈæktfəli] /-fə̇lē How to pronounce tactfully (audio) -li/ (ame, mw)
tactfully — adverb
1. behaving or speaking in a careful way so that you do not upset or embarrass othe
behaving or speaking in a careful way so that you do not upset or embarrass other people, especially when dealing with a sensitive or difficult situation
Noor tactfully told her roommate that she would prefer to have guests over only on weekends.
tactfully + tell + that-clause for softening a direct request
The manager tactfully suggested that Jiwoo double-check the figures before presenting them to the board.
tactfully + suggest + that-clause in workplace feedback
Henrik tactfully declined the dinner invitation by saying he already had plans for that evening.
Yael tactfully pointed out the mistake by mentioning a similar error she had once made.
- diplomatically
more formal, often used in political or professional negotiation contexts
- sensitively
emphasises awareness of and responsiveness to someone's emotional state
- considerately
focuses on thoughtfulness and anticipating others' needs or preferences
- tactlessly
direct opposite — doing or saying things that upset people without awareness
- bluntly
speaking in a direct, honest way that may cause offence, without softening
用法筆記
Often placed immediately before the verb it modifies (tactfully declined, tactfully suggested) or at the start of a clause (Tactfully, she changed the subject). Common in professional feedback, polite refusals, and discussions of sensitive topics.