knack

[ nak ]

noun

1. a special skill, talent, or aptitude:

   He had a knack for saying the right thing.

   Synonyms: aptness, dexterity, facility

2. a clever or adroit way of doing something.
3. a trick or ruse.
4. a sharp, cracking sound.
5. Archaic. a knickknack; trinket.

knack

/ næk /

noun

1. a skilful, ingenious, or resourceful way of doing something
2. a particular talent or aptitude, esp an intuitive one

Word History and Origins

Origin of knack¹

1325–75; Middle English: trick; perhaps same word as knak sharp-sounding blow, rap, cracking noise (imitative)

Word History and Origins

Origin of knack¹

C14: probably variant of knak sharp knock, rap, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Somehow, boxing has a knack of duping the public.

From BBC

The buttoned-up, pantsuit-wearing former oncologist is not a repeat of the eager “Goldbergs” matriarch, but the character maintains the actor’s knack for playing beleaguered exhaustion for comedic effect.

From Los Angeles Times

It requires a passion for cities, urban history and, perhaps, cartography; an affinity for architecture and urban design; a love of community; and a knack for numbers.

From Los Angeles Times

His choice of collaborators was one example of his knack for knowing how to make a good song great.

From BBC

His ability to navigate different crowds with his “Midwestern charm,” along with his knack for shifting his persona and leveraging righteous indignation, showed a strategic mind that should not be underestimated.

From Salon

Related Words

• aptitude
• dexterity
• flair
• genius
• ingenuity
• propensity
• quickness
• savvy
• skill