# tactical

Pronunciation: say "TAK-ti-kuhl" /ˈtæktɪk(ə)l/

## Adjective

1. Relating to tactics: the specific methods and moves used to achieve an immediate goal.
   - Simple: Having to do with careful plans to win a game, fight, or contest.
   - _The campaign team adjusted its tactical approach after the early polls._
   - _His tactical instincts in close debate often won over the audience._
2. Relating to military operations that are smaller or more local in scope than overarching strategic ones.
   - Simple: About small, local military actions, not the big overall war plan.
   - _The general praised the unit's tactical maneuvers during the river crossing._
   - _Air forces distinguish tactical strikes on local targets from strategic bombing of an enemy's industrial base._
3. Showing skill, cleverness, or ingenuity in handling a situation.
   - Simple: Clever and skillful at planning or doing something.
   - _Their tactical use of social media turned a small brand into a household name._
   - _She gave a tactical answer that satisfied both sides without committing to either._
4. With a military look that commonly comes from black coloring or added features such as a bipod, an adjustable stock, or a detachable magazine.
   - Simple: Made to look military, often black and fitted with extra gear like a stand or removable magazine.
   - _The rifle's tactical styling included a bipod and a matte-black finish._
   - _Many tactical accessories add a military look without improving performance._

## Noun

5. A privately organized war reenactment event built around mock battles or skirmishes.
   - Simple: A private, planned event where people stage pretend battles for fun.
   - _Organizers planned the tactical around a series of staged skirmishes._
   - _Dozens of enthusiasts signed up for the weekend tactical at the old quarry._
6. In formal proof systems, a higher-order operation that combines individual proof tactics into a compound one.
   - Simple: A tool in proof software that combines smaller proof steps into a bigger one.
   - _The library provides a tactical that applies each subgoal tactic in sequence._
   - _By composing a custom tactical, he automated the repetitive parts of the proof._

## Origin

Formed from "tactic" with the suffix "-al".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/tactical (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).