tacitly

[ tas-it-lee ]

adverb

1. without saying so; silently:

   We both knew we had different views on the subject, and tacitly agreed not to make it an issue.

2. in a way that is partly unconscious or cannot be explained in words:

   The hardest tasks to automate are those demanding skills that we understand only tacitly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tacitly¹

tacit ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

He is so worried that journalists will think he's stupid that he will tacitly admit he's lying rather than let reporters think he might actually believe this stuff.

From Salon

"Even in business schools, students are tacitly told that working long hours to earn a high salary is normal and even desirable," he said.

From BBC

A former cabinet minister said the results were "not catastrophic" - while also tacitly accepting they pointed to likely general election defeat.

From BBC

But authorities tacitly allow what are literally underground performances, as long as they are not advertised in a manner that would make them a target.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump tacitly acknowledged North Carolina’s status by tapping then-state Republican Chairman Michael Whatley to lead his campaign’s effective takeover of the Republican National Committee.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• softly