tacit
Understood or implied without being directly stated
Examples
In a meeting
“There was tacit agreement among the team that we needed to change direction.”
Over coffee
“We have a tacit understanding that whoever cooks doesn't do dishes.”
Why this word
unspoken
Tacit implies understood or agreed upon without being stated, not just not verbalized
implicit
Tacit emphasizes the silent understanding or acceptance, while implicit can refer to logical inference
silent
Tacit conveys mutual understanding despite silence, not merely absence of speech
Usage tip
Use for unspoken agreements, understandings, or approval. Stronger than 'implied' and suggests mutual understanding without explicit communication.
Etymology
Latin 'tacitus' (silent), from 'tacere' (to be silent)
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To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
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Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
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To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
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To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.