savoir faire

noun sa·voir faire \ ˌsav-ˌwär-ˈfer \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

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Examples: savoir faire in a Sentence

Definition of savoir faire

: capacity for appropriate action; especially : a polished sureness in social behavior

See savoir faire defined for English-language learners

Examples of savoir faire in a Sentence

I admire her sophistication and savoir faire.
He handled the problem with his usual savoir faire.

Recent Examples of savoir faire from the Web

The annual Waiters-Waitresses Race at 3 p.m. Sunday will feature servers competing in a test of speed and savoir faire.

— jim higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bastille Days is back Thursday, but the geography's shifted due to streetcar testing," 10 July 2018
Last Sunday, De Libran presented the label’s first haute couture offering, a salute to the atelier’s savoir faire.

— nicole phelps, Vogue, "Sonia Rykiel’s Julie de Libran and Friends Make “Generous Sweaters,” Give Proceeds to Charity," 5 July 2018
There’s an expression in French called savoir faire — the knowledge of different work — and that’s what my grandmother taught me.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "How an Ex-Banker Began Growing Flowers for Dior," 30 Oct. 2017
Leave a Note Quaintness isn’t always anathema to style and savoir faire—just ask the Gray family, proprietors of Freeport’s Harraseeket Inn.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "Harraseeket Inn," 20 Oct. 2017
That intriguing dichotomy—dirt roads and private jets, fishmongers and Diane von Furstenberg—is reflected in Bergamin's decor, a marvel of unstudied chic and cross-cultural savoir faire.

— mayer rus, ELLE Decor, "Global Style Hits the Beach," 8 Apr. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'savoir faire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of savoir faire

French savoir-faire, literally, knowing how to do

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1788

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of savoir faire

tact, address, poise, savoir faire mean skill and grace in dealing with others. tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.