savvy

[ sav-ee ]

adjective

, sav·vi·er, sav·vi·est.

1. experienced, knowledgable, and well-informed; shrewd (often used in combination): a tech-savvy entrepreneur.

   consumers who are savvy about prices;

   a tech-savvy entrepreneur.

noun

1. Also savvi·ness. practical understanding; shrewdness or intelligence; common sense:

   a candidate who seemed to have no political savvy.

verb (used with or without object)

, sav·vied, sav·vy·ing.

1. to know; understand.

savvy

/ ˈsævɪ /

verb

1. to understand or get the sense of (an idea, etc)
2. no savvy
   I don't (he doesn't, etc) understand

noun

1. comprehension

adjective

1. shrewd; well-informed

Word History and Origins

Origin of savvy¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from Spanish sabe, 3rd-person singular present of saber “to know,” from Latin sapere “to be wise, taste”; sapient none

Word History and Origins

Origin of savvy¹

C18: corruption of Spanish sabe ( usted ) (you) know, from saber to know, from Latin sapere to be wise

Example Sentences

As audiences get more savvy about CGI, studios are ramping up the practical effects.

From Los Angeles Times

"They know exactly what to do and it's great having them be so savvy about it," she said.

From BBC

It’s rarely free, but if you’re savvy, you can play on one of the L.A. city golf courses for almost free.

From Los Angeles Times

“But successful politicians do things that help them and their allies, and the savviest politicians do those things very visibly.”

From Los Angeles Times

The 2016 "Ghostbusters" reboot brings this same energy into the supernatural realm, with four women combating ghosts through the sciences and their combined savvy in matters of the paranormal.

From Salon