savoir faire

noun

sa·​voir faire ˌsav-ˌwär-ˈfer How to pronounce savoir faire (audio)
: capacity for appropriate action
especially : a polished sureness in social behavior
Choose the Right Synonym for savoir faire

tact, address, poise, savoir faire mean skill and grace in dealing with others.

tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Examples of savoir faire in a Sentence

I admire her sophistication and savoir faire. He handled the problem with his usual savoir faire.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The personalized presentation of the liquid, and the experiences surrounding it, are an apt celebration of Martell’s 309 years and counting of tradition, heritage, and savoir faire. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2024 When the world’s top luxury brands pour their savoir faire into Advent calendars, the results are—predictably—the height of luxury. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024 London is also, unsurprisingly, a wonderful place to source nightwear given the sartorial savoir faire of Savile Row and Jermyn Street. Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024 Equestrian events on the grounds of Versailles! — and undeniable savoir faire, may just have helped save the Olympics. Bryan Walsh, Vox, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for savoir faire 

Word History

Etymology

French savoir-faire, literally, knowing how to do

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of savoir faire was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near savoir faire

Cite this Entry

“Savoir faire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savoir%20faire. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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