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tactful ~ tactile

[different end pronunciation]

“Tactful” (adjective) means ‘(of a person) not willing to upset anybody; careful not to say or do anything that may upset, annoy or embarrass other people; getting things done by being very wise and/or changing the ways of approach; dealing with others depending on their moods and requirements to run or get things done’,

e.g.

You’ve got to be very tactful when you tell somebody the news of their dear one’s death.

She thought of a tactful way to ask her boyfriend to stop calling her at her office.

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“Tactile” (adjective) means ‘(of a person or animal) connected to one’s sense of touch; using one’s sense of touch; (of a person) likes to touch other people, usually while talking to them; (of a keyboard of a computer or some other machine) with the keys that give out an audible click when depressed/pressed’,

e.g.

Children learn more easily when we apply audio, video and tactile communication methods.

In some countries, tactile communication methods in teaching are strictly prohibited.

Do not mistake her behaviour; she’s a tactile person.   [i.e. she likes to touch people when she talks to them, but not with any other intention]

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