knack

American  

[nak] / næk /

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.

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knack British  

/ næk /

noun

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of knack

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

Example Sentences

Ms. Sala has a knack for describing the almost physical discomfort of deep boredom.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet wrapped up in his peculiarity has been a knack for rubbing America’s face in realities.

From The Wall Street Journal

He went on to Harvard Business School, and professionalized his knack for assessing risk and knowing when to bet.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has a knack for uncovering moments of crisis when something has to change or all will be lost, and his songs are often high-stakes and charged with drama.

From The Wall Street Journal

But then the latter's skillful knack of snaffling wickets came to the fore as he bagged two of Australia's dogged top order.

From BBC

Related Words

• aptitude
• dexterity
• flair
• genius
• ingenuity
• propensity
• quickness
• savvy
• skill