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

The court had “knowledge of the world” now: it had the fruits of achievement, civilization, savoir-vivre, gossip, fashion, malice, and the broad mind of scandal.

From Literature

For Germans, asked for a spontaneous summary of the French, the words culture, fashion, luxury and savoir-vivre came to mind; the French, when thinking of the Germans, talked about beer, Berlin, cars, Nazis and war.

From The Guardian

Savoir-vivre, sav-wor-vē′vr, n. good breeding: knowledge of polite usages.

From Project Gutenberg

The other end had carried out the rules with rigid savoir-vivre; had accidentally touched and trodden on; had apologised; had had its apologies accepted; had introduced and been introduced; and so had cleared the way to chocolates.

From Project Gutenberg

The city’s contradictory charms, as they are wryly termed, its fabled mix of savoir-vivre and absolute crumminess, remain in good supply.

From New York Times

Related Words

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