tactically

T1A1C3T1I1C3A1L1L1Y4

adverb

in a tactical manner; in a manner calculated to achieve some end.

UncommonScrabble 17

Meanings

adverbtactically (comparative more tactically, superlative most tactically)

comparative more tactically · superlative most tactically

  1. in a tactical manner; in a manner calculated to achieve some end.

    Tactically smart, Leeds' work-rate was also admirable, their players often doubling up on Everton's main threats like Marouane Fellaini, while Victor Anichibe found he had unwelcome, unstinting company throughout.

    2012, Ben Smith, Leeds United 2-1 Everton
  2. using tactics
  3. in terms of tactics
    1 more example

    Jesse Helms is my "enemy" because of what he says and does. If he stops, he ceases to be my enemy. Tactically, I'm not about to spend much time trying to change him. I'd rather make it impossible for him to act in ways that oppress me. But the distinction between the person, who can potentially be won over, and the behavior, which is repulsive, is an important one.

    1988 December 11, John D'Emilio, “Enemies, Anger, and Militance”, in Gay Community News, volume 16, number 22, page 5

Origin

  1. Proto-Indo-European*teh₂g-
  2. Proto-Hellenic*tat͏̌t͏̌ō
  3. Ancient Greekτάσσω (tássō)
  4. Ancient Greekτακτικός (taktikós)
  5. New Latintactica
  6. Englishtactic
  7. Proto-Indo-European*h₂el-
  8. Proto-Indo-European*h₂élisder.?
  9. Englishtactical
  10. Proto-Indo-European*leyg-
  11. Proto-Germanic*līką
  12. Englishtactically

From tactical + -ly.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

tactically. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tactically

MLA

“tactically.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tactically. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “tactically,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tactically.

Source: tactically on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.