tacit knowledge
/ˈtæsɪt ˈnɒlɪdʒ/
Meaning
Tacit knowledge refers to personal, experiential knowledge that is difficult to write down, formalize, or communicate to others. It includes intuitive skills, insights, and hands-on expertise that are typically acquired through practice rather than study.
Examples
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Senior engineers possess a wealth of tacit knowledge that cannot be found in manuals.
Senior engineers possess a wealth of tacit knowledge that cannot be found in manuals.
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Mentorship programs are essential for transferring tacit knowledge to new employees.
Mentorship programs are essential for transferring tacit knowledge to new employees.
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While explicit knowledge is easily written down, tacit knowledge must be learned through practice.
While explicit knowledge is easily written down, tacit knowledge must be learned through practice.
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The chef's ability to know when the sauce is perfect is a form of tacit knowledge.
The chef's ability to know when the sauce is perfect is a form of tacit knowledge.
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We need to find ways to capture the tacit knowledge of our retiring staff.
We need to find ways to capture the tacit knowledge of our retiring staff.
Common Mistakes
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✗ She has a lot of tact knowledge about the industry.
✓ She has a lot of tacit knowledge about the industry.
'Tact' means sensitivity in dealing with others. The correct adjective for unspoken, experiential knowledge is 'tacit'.
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✗ The manual contains all the tacit knowledge of the company.
✓ The manual contains all the explicit knowledge of the company.
By definition, tacit knowledge cannot be easily written down in a manual. Once it is written down, it becomes explicit knowledge.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Unlike manuals and guides, ___ can only be acquired through years of hands-on experience.
💡 Unspoken, practical knowledge gained through experience.
Show answer
tacit knowledge
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Shadowing senior executives helps junior staff absorb valuable ___.
💡 The opposite of explicit knowledge.
Show answer
tacit knowledge