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

To his eternal credit, Suga Free’s technical complexity, comic timing and mid-song impressions make him so inimitable that few ever attempt to copy his savoir-faire.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our reputation is at stake. That is why we must unite all our knowledge, our efforts, our savoir-faire to achieve this goal."

From BBC

It was the work of Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, who wanted to explore how organic form interacted with the “feminine realm of artisanal savoir-faire.”

From Seattle Times

In the Louvre’s gilded Galerie d’Apollon, home to the French crown jewels, four ornately embroidered jackets celebrate the glories of France and its savoir-faire.

From New York Times

“We can speak of our savoir-faire to people from all over the world.”

From Washington Post