tact ♦︎ sensitivity ♦︎ discretion ♦︎ diplomacyThese are all words for skill in dealing with people in difficult situations without upsetting or offending them.这些词均表示应对困难局面时表现出的圆滑老练、圆通、得体。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆to do sth with sensitivity / discretion / diplomacy◆great sensitivity / discretion / diplomacy◆the utmost tact / sensitivity / discretion◆to require / need / call for sensitivity / discretion / diplomacy◆to have / show sensitivity / diplomacy■tact [uncountable] (approving) the ability to deal with people in difficult situations without upsetting or offending them(在困难局面中表现出的)老练,圆通,得体◆Settling the dispute required great tact and diplomacy.解决这个争端需要十分老练的处事手法和娴熟的外交手腕。◆She is not exactly known for her tact.她并不以策略见称。ⓘ Using tact often involves not saying particular things that you know will upset or offend a particular person (because, for example, of sth that has happened to them). Sb who introduces subjects that will embarrass or offend a particular person can be considered tactless. * tact常意味着避免说令人不快或得罪人的话(例如不提某人的遭遇)。tactless指言行不得体的、得罪人的、不圆通的。▸tactful
adjective
◆That wasn't a very tactful thing to say!说这种话可不太得体!OPPtactless ⇨ insensitive■sensitivity [uncountable] (approving) the ability to understand other people's feelings体贴;体恤;体察◆Sensitivity to the needs of children is the main requirement for the job.体察孩子的需要是这项工作的主要要求。◆She pointed out with tact and sensitivity exactly where he had gone wrong.她巧妙又体贴地明确指出他错在哪儿。 see also sensitive ⇨ sensitive1■discretion dɪˈskreʃn [uncountable] (especiallywritten, approving) care in what you say or do, in order to keep sth secret or to avoid causing embarrassment or difficulty for sb谨慎;慎重;审慎◆This is confidential, but I know that I can rely on your discretion.这是机密,不过我知道你靠得住。OPPindiscretion ⇨ improper▸discreet
adjective
◆He was always very discreet about his love affairs.他对两性关系一贯谨小慎微。◆You ought to make a few discreet enquiries before you sign anything.你应该审慎地询问清楚再签字。OPPindiscreet ⇨ improper■diplomacy dɪˈpləʊməsi; NAmEdɪˈploʊməsi [uncountable] (ratherformal, especiallywritten) skill in dealing with people in difficult situations without upsetting or offending them(处理人际关系的)手腕,手段,策略◆She handled the situation with her usual quiet diplomacy.她用一贯的沉稳手腕处理了局面。▸diplomaticˌdɪpləˈmætɪk
adjective
◆a diplomatic answer圆通的回答NOTE辨析 Tact or diplomacy?Tact is a natural quality that some people have and that they use in order to avoid upsetting other people. Diplomacy is more of a skill that can be learned through practice and used to get an advantage for yourself as well as to help other people. * tact指处事老练、圆通、得体,是一种天生的资质。diplomacy则更多是一种可以在实践中学到的技能,既可帮助他人,也可为自己谋利。