tacit

UK: ˈtæsɪt | US: ˈtæsɪt

Definition

  1. adj. implied or understood without being stated directly

  2. adj. silent or unspoken

Structure
tac <silent>it <adjective suffix>
Etymology

tacit = tac<silent> + it<adjective suffix>

  • tac (from Latin tacitus, meaning "silent" or "unspoken")
  • it (a suffix forming adjectives, often derived from Latin past participles)

Etymology Origin:
The word "tacit" traces back to the Latin tacitus, the past participle of tacēre ("to be silent"). It entered English in the early 17th century, retaining its core sense of something unspoken but understood. The morpheme "tac" preserves the original Latin root, while "-it" reflects its adjectival form. The evolution highlights how silence can convey meaning indirectly.

Examples

  1. Their agreement was tacit, with no formal contract.

  2. She gave a tacit nod of approval.

  3. The rules were based on tacit assumptions.

  4. His silence was interpreted as tacit consent.

  5. Tacit knowledge is often hard to document.