Tactics etymology

The word “tactics” has its origins in the Greek term “taktikÄ“” (τακτική), which is derived from the verb “tassein” (τάσσειν), meaning “to arrange” or “to order.”

The concept of tactics was initially associated with the art of arranging troops in formation and maneuvering them during battle. This usage of the term dates back to ancient Greece, where military leaders like the Macedonian king Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great, refined the use of tactical formations on the battlefield.

Over time, the term “tactics” evolved to encompass not only military maneuvers but also any planned actions or strategies designed to achieve a specific goal, whether in warfare, sports, business, or other fields. The broader modern meaning refers to the specific methods or strategies employed to achieve an objective, often as part of a larger plan (known as “strategy”).

In summary, “tactics” originally referred to military arrangements and has since expanded to describe any deliberate, calculated action intended to achieve a specific outcome.