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

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

Being purveyors of savoir vivre can be distinctly exhausting.

From Slate

Thanks to their efforts, the glamour-hungry readers will have access to this rarefied variety of savoir vivre for years to come.

From Slate

Related Words

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