tacit
/'tæsit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Understood or implied without being directly stated: Refers to something that is communicated or agreed upon through actions, circumstances, or shared understanding, rather than through explicit words or writing. 2. Silently given or present: Describes consent, knowledge, or agreement that is not verbally expressed but is nonetheless real and operative.
Usage and Examples
- General Usage: Used to describe agreements, understandings, consent, or assumptions that are not formally declared.
- There was a tacit agreement among the team members to start work early. (The agreement was understood by everyone's actions, not by a spoken rule.)
- Her tacit approval was shown by her lack of objection. (Her approval was implied because she did not say "no.")
- In Formal Contexts: Often used in legal, business, or diplomatic language to describe unspoken rules or conditions.
- The contract contained several tacit understandings that were not written down.
- A tacit ceasefire was observed by both armies.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Tacit Knowledge: A specialized term referring to knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by writing it down or verbalizing it (e.g., the skill of riding a bicycle).
- Much of a master craftsman's skill is tacit knowledge.
- Tacit Assumption: A belief that is so fundamental it is taken for granted and not discussed.
- The argument was based on the tacit assumption that all participants were acting in good faith.
Variants and Related Words
- Tacitly (adverb): In a tacit manner; by unspoken agreement.
- The policy was tacitly accepted by the entire department.
- Tacitness (noun): The quality or state of being tacit. (This form is rare but used in academic discussions, particularly about knowledge.)
Synonyms
- Implied: Suggested without being directly expressed.
- Unspoken: Not stated in words.
- Implicit: Implied though not plainly expressed.
- Understood: Agreed upon without needing to be discussed.
Antonyms
- Explicit: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
- Express: Definitely stated, not implied.
- Declared: Announced or stated openly.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- Tacit consent/agreement/approval: The most common collocations. They refer to permission or accord that is given through silence or lack of opposition, rather than active affirmation.
- By not vetoing the proposal, the manager gave it her tacit approval.
Adjective
- implied by or inferred from actions or statements
- gave silent consent
- a tacit agreement
- the understood provisos of a custody agreement