Tasteful is spelled with an "e" after the "t" because it comes from the word "taste" and the "e" indicates a long vowel sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈteɪstfəl/, with the stressed syllable being "taste." The "f" in the middle of the word is pronounced with a voiceless labiodental fricative sound, and the final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound. Overall, the word tasteful refers to something that is pleasing or attractive to the senses, especially the sense of taste.
Tasteful is an adjective that describes something as displaying good taste, refinement, and elegance. It refers to objects, actions, or choices that are aesthetically pleasing and culturally appropriate.
When used to describe visual aspects, tasteful refers to a quality of beauty and harmony. It suggests elements that are well-arranged and well-designed, without being too excessive or ostentatious. A tasteful decor, for example, might feature a balance of colors, textures, and shapes that create an inviting and attractive atmosphere. It often implies an understated elegance that is in good taste.
In a broader sense, tasteful can also apply to behaviors and actions. It speaks to choices and decisions that are considerate, polite, and culturally acceptable. Tasteful behavior embodies decorum and appropriateness, demonstrating an awareness of social norms and expectations. For instance, using appropriate language and maintaining a courteous demeanor during a formal occasion can be considered tasteful.
Overall, the term tasteful signifies an ability to discern and appreciate beauty, both in the visual realm and in conduct. It entails a certain level of sophistication and a sense of refinement, usually associated with cultivated and knowledgeable individuals. Tasteful implies the application of good judgment and an understanding of what is pleasing to the senses and appealing to others.
Having a high relish; possessed of a good taste; having a pleasing style or manner, as in dress or in doing a thing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tasteful" has its roots in the Middle English word "tast", which means "to taste" or "to try". This Middle English term was derived from the Old French word "taster", meaning "to taste", which itself came from the Latin "taxāre", meaning "to appraise" or "to value". Over time, the word "tast" evolved to include the sense of discerning or good judgment, leading to the development of "tasteful" in the 16th century. It came to be associated with having refined and refined aesthetic taste or judgement.