savoir faire

noun

sa·​voir faire ˌsav-ˌwär-ˈfer 

: 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

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

The ateliers were set free post the revolutions, the guilds were abolished and there was this enormous growth of the French know-how, a savoir faire. —Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

French savoir-faire, literally, knowing how to do

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above