savvy

[ sav-ee ]

adjective

, sav·vi·er, sav·vi·est.

1. experienced, knowledgable, and well-informed; shrewd (often used in combination): a tech-savvy entrepreneur.

   consumers who are savvy about prices;

   a tech-savvy entrepreneur.

noun

1. Also savvi·ness. practical understanding; shrewdness or intelligence; common sense:

   a candidate who seemed to have no political savvy.

verb (used with or without object)

, sav·vied, sav·vy·ing.

1. to know; understand.

savvy

/ ˈsævɪ /

verb

1. to understand or get the sense of (an idea, etc)
2. no savvy
   I don't (he doesn't, etc) understand

noun

1. comprehension

adjective

1. shrewd; well-informed

Word History and Origins

Origin of savvy¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from Spanish sabe, 3rd-person singular present of saber “to know,” from Latin sapere “to be wise, taste”; sapient none

Word History and Origins

Origin of savvy¹

C18: corruption of Spanish sabe ( usted ) (you) know, from saber to know, from Latin sapere to be wise

Example Sentences

As audiences get more savvy about CGI, studios are ramping up the practical effects.

From Los Angeles Times

Mayer-Schönberger says that young people like his son are particularly savvy about what they share because they’ve grown up in a world where “throwbacks” constantly remind them that the internet never forgets.

From Slate

Harris’ experience and political savvy, formed by one of the most influential of the “Divine Nine” Black sororities and fraternities governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, is a large part of why many Black constituents felt confident that Harris could be the one to pull this off.

From Slate

Perhaps biting one’s tongue is a savvy move.

From Slate

"They know exactly what to do and it's great having them be so savvy about it," she said.

From BBC