savoir-faire
3
9.5
- noun
- /ˌsæv.wɑːˈfɛr/
:
savoir-faire
- They did it with their usual savoir-faire and subtlety.
- a certain savoir-faire
- lack of savoir-faire
And we, you know, as far as savoir faire went to stay with the French, ours was only fair.
- And we, you know, as far as savoir faire went to stay with the French, ours was only fair.
Examples
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With a touch of savoir-faire, she navigated the networking event, ensuring every conversation felt personal.
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Time to exhibit some of that famous French savoir-faire.
Fiction book (1998) -
Holding my own with sophistication and savoir faire.
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You do have savoir-faire.
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Unleash your savoir-faire.
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The tact, the reserve, and the savoir-faire that are second nature to a seasoned bureaucracy were alike absent.
Academic text (1991) -
It was one of those moments that called for savoir faire, and I said to Beth, "Good morning, Detective Penrose." Beth replied, "Good morning."
Fiction book (1997) -
He displayed remarkable savoir-faire during the formal dinner, impressing everyone with his conversation skills.
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His natural savoir-faire made it easy for him to charm guests at the gala.
Synonyms
26
3.5
To say or do things carefully so you do not upset other people
Careful and kind behavior when dealing with people to avoid hurting them
How Tactful
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word savoir-faire comes from the French words savoir ('to know') and faire ('to do'), so it literally means 'know how', like the English phrase 'know-how'. That's why savoir-faire describes the skill to do or say the right thing in social situations.