Tactical

Definition

Tactical pertains to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose. It often refers to the specific methods used to achieve short-term goals that contribute to broader strategic aims.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtæktɪkəl/
• Respelling: TAK-ti-kuhl (with "TAK" as in "tack," "ti" as in "tick," and "kuhl" as in "cool")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtæktɪkəl/
• Respelling: TAK-ti-kuhl (similar to American English, with "TAK" as in "tack," "ti" like in "tick," and "kuhl" as in "cool")

In both dialects, "tactical" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TAK." The pronunciation of "tactical" is consistent between American and British English, reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The term "tactical" originates from the Greek word "taktikos," which means "of ordering" or "systematic," stemming from "taktos," which means "arranged." It's closely related to the verb "tassein," which means "to arrange." This term found its way into Late Latin as "tacticus," and later into French as "tactique" before entering English in the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Tactically (adverb)
• Tacticalness (noun)
• Untactical (adjective)
• Tacticality (noun)
• Tactician (noun)

Synonyms

• Strategical
• Methodical
• Planned

Antonyms

• Haphazard
• Unplanned
• Random

Usage

The term "tactical" is often utilized in military settings, business strategy, and sports. It refers to the methods and actions directed toward achieving specific short-term objectives that align with a broader strategy.

Related Terms

• Strategy
• Tactic
• Operational

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• General Usage: Relating to, or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end.
• Example: The tactical operations were carried out successfully to reclaim the lost territory.

• Military Usage: Characterized by use of specific tactics to achieve set short-term objectives, typically within a broader strategic context.
• Example: The soldiers were given a tactical training to better respond to battlefield scenarios.

• Business Usage: Pertaining to the actions or methods used to achieve specific objectives within a broader business strategy.
• Example: The marketing team devised a tactical plan to boost sales in the coming quarter.