savoir-faire

[ sav-wahr-fair; French sa-vwar-fer ]

noun

1. knowledge of just what to do in any situation; tact.

   Synonyms: adroitness, adaptability, ability, skill, discernment, diplomacy

savoir-faire

/ ˈsævwɑːˈfɛə /

noun

1. the ability to do the right thing in any situation

savoir faire

1. Ease and dexterity in social and practical affairs: “Peter is a friendly person, but he lacks the savoir faire required for a successful career in the foreign service.” From French, meaning “to know how to act.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of savoir-faire¹

1805–15; < French: literally, knowing how to do

Word History and Origins

Origin of savoir-faire¹

French, literally: a knowing how to do

Example Sentences

The Spanish champions have the experience, the savoir faire, the heritage, the money time mentality and the talent.

From BBC

He was equally entranced by the women Capote referred to as his Swans, self-created creatures whom he admired for their style, wealth and savoir faire.

From New York Times

DeSantis may understand that Republican voters want a bulldozer taken to Washington and its institutions, but he entirely misses that they want the operator to have a little savoir faire in going about it.

From Slate

Yes, it’s exactly what you might imagine: a 70-minute, in-theaters-only compilation reel of videos involving cats knocking things over, falling into things and facing obstacles with catly savoir faire.

From Seattle Times

Growing up, Mukarram showed a strange mix of savoir faire and ineptitude.

From New York Times