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

Now, she’s combining her knack for emotional lyricism with her soulful voice, recently opening for Tito Double P in Mexico, and breaking out with her recent single, “Pagana.”

From Los Angeles Times

“One Battle After Another” blends both together to become the perfect showcase for Anderson’s knack for capturing human idiosyncrasies and spinning them into grand-scale storytelling.

From Los Angeles Times

He is widely seen as a gifted salesman with a knack for jump-starting the sort of viral moments on social media that double as shrewd self-promotion.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over the course of his career, Holtz had a knack for making bad teams good and good teams great.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sensibility and natural eclecticism, rather than unchecked ambition, is what propels Joseph; he has an innate knack for assembling bands and ensembles, good taste and good timing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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