tactful crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive list of solutions for the "tactful crossword clue," along with helpful explanations and tips to boost your crossword-solving skills. Get quick help and insightful details for every word length.
Solutions for "tactful crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
POLITE: Showing consideration and good manners.
8 Letters
DISCREET: Careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.
9 Letters
COURTEOUS: Polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.
SENSITIVE: Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences; showing a quick or delicate appreciation of others' feelings.
10 Letters
DIPLOMATIC: Having or showing an ability to deal with people in a sensitive and effective way, often to avoid causing offense or to maintain good relations.
More About "tactful crossword clue"
The term "tactful" implies a delicate understanding of human feelings and a careful approach to avoid giving offense. In crosswords, clues for "tactful" often probe synonyms that convey sensitivity, discretion, and courteous behavior. These answers can range from straightforward adjectives like 'polite' to more nuanced terms such as 'diplomatic' or 'discreet', depending on the required letter count and the specific context of the puzzle.
Solving a crossword clue like "tactful" requires not just a broad vocabulary, but also an ability to discern the exact shade of meaning the setter intends. Sometimes, the clue might hint at actions rather than just characteristics, requiring you to think about how tact is demonstrated. Always consider if the answer fits not only the definition but also the overall tone and theme of the crossword puzzle you are tackling.
Understanding the common associations with "tactful" can greatly speed up your solving process. Think about situations where tact is necessary – negotiations, delivering bad news, or social interactions. This mental exercise can unlock a wider range of potential answers, helping you complete even the trickiest grids with confidence.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "tactful," consider if the setter is looking for a general synonym or a very specific aspect of tact, such as discretion, politeness, or diplomacy.
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters in the answer you're considering. This is the quickest way to rule out many possibilities and narrow down your options significantly.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Once you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or deny your proposed answers. This iterative process is key to solving complex crosswords.
- Think of Contextual Synonyms: Beyond direct synonyms, consider words that describe behavior or characteristics associated with being tactful in various situations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "tactful" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "tactful" often points to answers related to politeness, discretion, diplomacy, or sensitivity in dealing with others, especially to avoid offense. It implies carefulness in speech or action.
How can I identify a "tactful" answer in a crossword?
Look for synonyms of politeness, sensitivity, or carefulness. Pay attention to the number of letters required and any crossing letters you've already filled in. Common lengths are 6 (POLITE), 8 (DISCREET), 9 (COURTEOUS), and 10 (DIPLOMATIC). Consider the nuance of the clue for the best fit.
Are there common wordplay techniques for "tactful" clues?
Clues for "tactful" might use subtle wordplay, like anagrams of words related to manners, or double meanings. Sometimes, they hint at a more formal or reserved behavior, or a careful approach to a situation. Always consider the precise wording of the clue.