savoir-faire
[sav-wahr-fair; French sa-vwar-fer]
noun
knowledge of just what to do in any situation; tact.
Origin of savoir-faire
1805–15; < French: literally, knowing how to do
Synonyms for savoir-faire
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for savoir-faire
style, finesse, adroitness, composure, tact, manners, elegance, poise, grace, worldlinessExamples from the Web for savoir-faire
Historical Examples of savoir-faire
Here her energy and savoir-faire rendered her indispensable in every department.
Agnes of SorrentoHarriet Beecher Stowe
In Glasgow, show your savoir-faire; but, in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, your savoir-vivre.
Friend Mac DonaldMax O'Rell
Determined that never again, even to herself, should she call me a boy, I summoned to my aid all the savoir-faire I could command.
The Rose of Old St. LouisMary Dillon
A certain cheery impertinence which characterized Charlie was fondly set down as savoir-faire and dash.
Tomaso's Fortune and Other StoriesHenry Seton Merriman
The savoir-faire which would have helped some men to take the rebuke entirely deserted him.
The DrunkardCyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
savoir-faire
noun
Word Origin for savoir-faire
French, literally: a knowing how to do
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper