Tactical
/ˈtæk.tɪ.kəl/noun
Relating to the careful planning and actions used to achieve a specific goal, especially in battle or competition.
Did you know?Tactical ultimately comes from Greek words for arranging an army, so every time you say it, you’re echoing the language of battlefield strategy rather than just “smart planning.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
taktikos
“skilled in arranging or ordering, especially troops”
Late Greek
Greek
taktika
“matters of military arrangement or the art of tactics”
Late Latin
Latin
tacticus
“pertaining to arrangement or tactics”
16th Century
English
tactike / tactical
“relating to the art of arranging troops”
Modern English
English
tactical
“relating to careful, practical action aimed at a specific end”
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