savoir-vivre

[ sav-wahr-vee-vruh, -veev; French sa-vwar-vee-vruh ]

noun

1. knowledge of the world and the ways or usages of polite society.

savoir-vivre

/ ˈsævwɑːˈviːvrə /

noun

1. familiarity with the customs of good society; breeding

Word History and Origins

Origin of savoir-vivre¹

1745–55; < French: literally, knowing how to live

Word History and Origins

Origin of savoir-vivre¹

French, literally: a knowing how to live

Example Sentences

Everybody loves Italy for its savoir vivre and panache—not to mention Rome’s place as the cradle of Western civilization.

From Wall Street Journal

Some people read everything that is written on the subject of etiquette, not only those who are ignorant and wish to learn something of its laws, but those who are thoroughly well versed in them and who, one might suppose, had nothing to learn; still these latter like to see what is written, to feel the satisfaction of being supported in their own knowledge by a well-informed writer; or of finding amusement in the absurdities gravely advanced by some one writing from another sphere than that where savoir vivre reigns.

From Project Gutenberg

A fussy woman is without repose, without dignity, and without savoir vivre.

From Project Gutenberg

Both hostess and visitor should guard against displaying a fussy demeanour during a morning call, as a morning call is oftener than not a tête-à-tête, and a tête-à-tête between two persons but slightly acquainted with each other requires a considerable amount of tact and savoir vivre to be sustained with ease and self-possession.

From Project Gutenberg

Each teems with the savoir vivre first expressed in La Colombe d’Or, says Prosper.

From Slate

Related Words

• composure
• elegance
• finesse
• poise
• refinement
• tact
• worldliness