tacit

/'tæsit/
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tacit

The team had a tacit understanding to meet at the library.

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.
tacit

The team had a tacit understanding to meet at the library.

Adjective
  1. implied by or inferred from actions or statements
    • gave silent consent
    • a tacit agreement
    • the understood provisos of a custody agreement