Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - tact

 noun  Etymology: French, sense of touch, from Latin ~us, from tangere to touch — more at tangent  Date: 1797  1. sensitive mental or aesthetic perception converted the novel into a play with remarkable skill and ~  2. a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense Synonyms:  ~, address, poise, savoir faire mean skill and grace in dealing with others. ~ implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate questions showing a lack of ~. address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends brought it off with remarkable address. poise may imply both ~ and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations answered the accusations with unruffled poise. savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler.