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au fait

American  
[oh fe] / oʊ ˈfɛ /

adjective

French.
  1. having experience or practical knowledge of a thing; expert; versed.


au fait British  
/ o fɛ, əʊ ˈfeɪ /

adjective

  1. fully informed; in touch or expert

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of au fait

Literally, “to the fact”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

However, Nelson is less au fait with Asian finance and politics than his predecessor, Mark Tucker, a veteran of Hong Kong’s insurance industry.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 4, 2025

You’ll Never Walk Alone rings around Celtic Park, an anthem that both Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard are of course au fait with.

From The Guardian Sep. 2, 2018

It points towards a far more visually literate consumer, who is au fait with the aesthetics of Instagram, selfies, and photography as an everyday language.

From BBC Nov. 28, 2017

"In preparation I've been to see an old friend who's getting me au fait with the rules of magic. "The show is going to have a big fantastical element.

From BBC Jan. 26, 2016

I have told him nothing, yet he seems to be au fait to the whole business.

From Charlotte Bront? A Monograph by Reid, T. Wemyss

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