How is tacit knowledge best described?

Tacit knowledge is best described as knowledge that is intuitive and difficult to communicate. This type of knowledge is often personal and context-specific, making it challenging to articulate to others through verbal or written means. It encompasses insights, intuitions, skills, and experiences that individuals acquire through practice and interaction and is often felt rather than expressed.

For example, a seasoned craftsperson may have a deep understanding of their trade that enables them to make quick decisions and adjustments while working, but articulating the exact thought processes involved in their expertise to someone who has less experience can be quite difficult. This contrasts with explicit knowledge, which can be easily documented and shared, and is fundamentally different from data that can be statistically analyzed or instructions found in a manual, which are straightforward and clear. Tacit knowledge often relies on personal experience and is significant in fields where expertise is critical, illustrating the depth and nuance of knowledge that individuals accumulate over time.