knack

[nak]

noun

1. a special skill, talent, or aptitude.

   He had a knack for saying the right thing.

   Synonyms: dexterity, facility, aptness

2. a clever or adroit way of doing something.

3. a trick or ruse.

4. a sharp, cracking sound.

5. Archaic.,  a knickknack; trinket.

knack

/ næk /

noun

1. a skilful, ingenious, or resourceful way of doing something

2. a particular talent or aptitude, esp an intuitive one

Word History and Origins

Origin of knack¹

1325–75; Middle English: trick; perhaps same word as knak sharp-sounding blow, rap, cracking noise (imitative)

Word History and Origins

Origin of knack¹

C14: probably variant of knak sharp knock, rap, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

He discovered he had a knack for pattern making in 2008 when he began creating hand-stitched leather jackets to wear to the Hollywood parties he had started attending with his now-fiancee.

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Like that famously terrible It's a Royal Knockout game show from 1987, she seemed to have a knack of being unceremoniously knocked off life's ladders but still being able to climb back up again.

Read more on BBC

Charlie Kirk, 31, a controversial figure in American political discourse, has been hailed by many as the future of American conservatism with a knack for energising young conservatives.

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As the son of a civil engineer and architect/fashion designer, Torres’ knack for world building comes as no surprise.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

World Champions New Zealand have a knack of hitting form at just the right time.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• aptitude 
• dexterity 
• flair 
• genius 
• ingenuity 
• propensity 
• quickness www.thesaurus.com
• savvy 
• skill