Definition of savoir faire
: capacity for appropriate action;
especially
: a polished sureness in social behavior
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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
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There’s an expression in French called savoir faire — the knowledge of different work — and that’s what my grandmother taught me.
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Leave a Note Quaintness isn’t always anathema to style and savoir faire—just ask the Gray family, proprietors of Freeport’s Harraseeket Inn.
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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.
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
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.
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- questions showing a lack of tact
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- brought it off with remarkable address
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- answered the accusations with unruffled poise
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- the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler
SAVOIR FAIRE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of savoir faire for English Language Learners
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: the ability to behave in a correct and confident way in different situations
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