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

As he himself was a jolly, convivial fellow of much savoir vivre, it is astonishing how well he made these entertainments answer.

From Project Gutenberg

I have never known a man of the world so single-hearted, or a saint with so much savoir vivre.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a thousand pities, she thought, that the archdeacon should not have a little of the same savoir vivre.

From Project Gutenberg

A delightful little thing; but no savoir vivre, no equality to a situation, no spectacular pride.

From Project Gutenberg

Il ne suffit pas d'être logique en ce monde; il faut savoir vivre avec ceux qui ne le sont pas.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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