savvy

[sav-ee]

adjective

savvier, savviest 

1. experienced, knowledgable, and well-informed; shrewd (often used in combination): a tech-savvy entrepreneur.

   consumers who are savvy about prices;

   a tech-savvy entrepreneur.

noun

1. Also savviness. practical understanding; shrewdness or intelligence; common sense.

   a candidate who seemed to have no political savvy.

verb (used with or without object)

savvied, savvying 

1. to know; understand.

savvy

/ ˈsævɪ /

verb

1. to understand or get the sense of (an idea, etc)

2. I don't (he doesn't, etc) understand

noun

1. comprehension

adjective

1. shrewd; well-informed

Word History and Origins

Origin of savvy¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from Spanish sabe, 3rd-person singular present of saber “to know,” from Latin sapere “to be wise, taste”; sapient

Word History and Origins

Origin of savvy¹

C18: corruption of Spanish sabe ( usted ) (you) know, from saber to know, from Latin sapere to be wise

Example Sentences

Is this savvy PR or adding fuel to the fire?

Read more on MarketWatch

Are Nvidia’s responses savvy public relations or a sign the company is growing worried?

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"We are the true digital natives and we want to remain educated, robust, and savvy in our digital world... They should protect kids with safeguards, not silence."

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For example, companies might hold back some automation to train junior employees in foundational skills and ensure they are savvy enough to check AI assistants’ output.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, it “can be very confusing to actually execute, so it takes a committed and savvy investor to make it work.”

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Related Words

• acumen 
• awareness 
• insight 
• intellect 
• intelligence 
• judgment 
• know-how 
• knowledge 
• sense