Pronunciation: [ɪn tˈakt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "in tact" is "intact," which means something that is complete, undamaged or unbroken. The word is pronounced as /ɪnˈtækt/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The first syllable sounds like the word "in," while the second syllable has a soft "a" sound like in "cat" and ends with a "t" sound. So, the next time you want to use this word, make sure to spell it as "intact."
The phrase "in tact" is used to describe something that remains whole, complete, or undamaged, without any parts missing or broken. It refers to the state of being unharmed, intact, or untouched by any external forces or influences. When an object or entity is said to be "in tact," it suggests that it maintains its original form, structure, or condition, without any alterations, disruptions, or negative impacts.
This term is commonly used to describe physical objects or structures that have not encountered any damage, such as a building that is still standing without any visible signs of collapse or erosion. It can also be employed to depict an individual or an animal that has not suffered any bodily harm or injury, thus being physically unharmed and well-preserved.
Moreover, "in tact" can be used to describe something abstract, such as a concept, principle, or system, that remains unchanged or unaffected. For instance, one might say that a company's integrity and reputation remain in tact when it successfully navigates through a challenging situation while maintaining its ethical standards.
Overall, the term "in tact" alludes to the preservation and maintenance of the original state, form, or condition of an entity, whether it is physical, abstract, or conceptual, without any impairments, alterations, or damage.
The word "in tact" is a combination of the two Latin words "in" and "tactus".
The Latin root "in" means "not" or "without", and is commonly used as a negation prefix in English words.
The Latin word "tactus" means "touch". When combined with the negation prefix "in", it formed the Latin phrase "intactus", meaning "not touched" or "untouched".
Over time, "intactus" evolved into the Old French word "intact", keeping the same meaning of "untouched" or "undamaged". This word was then borrowed into English as "in tact" in the 17th century, still retaining its original meaning.
