Make Your Point > Archived Issues > TACIT

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"TACIT" Pronunciation: TASS it Part of speech: (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a tacit acceptance” 2. After a linking verb, as in “Their acceptance was tacit.”) Meaning: Something tacit is understood even though it isn't openly talked about. Other forms: tacitly How to use it: Anything that's unspoken but understood anyway can be called tacit. So, talk about tacit approval, tacit acceptance, tacit permission, or tacit agreement; a tacit acknowledgement; some tacit support for something; his tacit admission that something is true; her tacit concerns about something; our tacit policies, rules, principles, or expectations; their tacit understanding, and so on. Retail managers must wield this power carefully: any misbehaviors they ignore, such as cell phone use during shifts, will be seen as tacitly accepted. In my high school typing class, we came to a tacit understanding with our teacher: we could play around, talk, and listen to music as long as we were turning in excellent work first. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You'll know you understand what "tacit" means when you can explain it without saying "silent" or "understood." Think of a behavior, a habit, or a belief that you strongly dislike, and fill in the blanks: "We can't just be silent when _____--that displays a tacit approval that's unacceptable.” Example: “We can't just be silent when one kid bullies another--that displays a tacit approval that's unacceptable.” Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don't go straight to the review now; let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month's game is "Guess the real pop song title when I give you a long-winded, highfalutin version of it." All the answers this month will be titles of popular songs released no earlier than 2012. Try it out each day and see the right answer the next day. We're playing this in order to appreciate the simple, precise vocabulary of pop song titles, despite how often they are criticized for being sappy, trite, and simplistic.   Yesterday’s answer: “Members of the Monarchy” is really “Royals” by Lorde.   Try this one today: “Arrive and Obtain It” A Point Well Made: Rumi: “With life as short as a half-taken breath, don't plant anything but love.” 1. The opposite of TACIT is A. PASSIVE B. EXPLICIT C. SMOOTH 2. _____ may be interpreted as a tacit admission of guilt. A. Lying boldly B. Talking off-topic incessantly C. Refusing to answer a question Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. C