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Tack - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A tack is a small, sharp nail with a flat head, used for fastening materials like fabric or paper. It can also mean a direction or approach taken to achieve a goal.

tack

/tæk/ /tæk/

Definition:

A small, sharp nail with a flat head; a course of action or approach.

Synonyms:

pin, nail, approach, method, strategy

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

remove, retreat

Common Collocations:

thumbtack, change tack, tack on, tack hammer

Derivatives:

tacking, tacked

Usage Tips:

Use "tack" for small nails or changing direction; avoid confusion with "tact."

Common Phrases:

change tack, on the wrong tack, tack on

Etymology:

Originates from Old French "taque," meaning nail or fastening; related to Germanic "tak."

Examples:

  • 1. She used a tack to hang the poster.
  • 2. The sailor decided to tack to avoid the rocks.
  • 3. He changed his tack when the plan failed.
  • 4. Please don’t leave tacks on the floor—they’re sharp!

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