tactile
UK: ˈtæk.taɪl | US: ˈtæk.təl
adj. relating to the sense of touch; perceptible by touch
adj. designed to be touched or felt
tactile = tact<touch> + ile<adjective suffix>
- tact (from Latin tactus, meaning "touch" or "sense of touch")
- ile (a suffix forming adjectives, often indicating capability or relation, from Latin -ilis)
Etymology Origin:
The word "tactile" originates from the Latin tactilis, derived from tangere (to touch). The root tact- preserves the core idea of physical contact, while the suffix -ile transforms it into an adjective describing qualities related to touch. This logical progression—from verb (tangere) to noun (tactus) to adjective (tactilis)—reflects how Latin roots were adapted into English to describe sensory experiences.
The fabric’s tactile texture made it pleasant to wear.
Blind individuals often rely heavily on tactile cues to navigate their surroundings.
The artist used tactile materials like clay and sand to create interactive installations.
Children’s books with tactile elements encourage sensory exploration.
The smartphone screen has a smooth, almost non-tactile surface.