savoir faire

noun

sa·​voir faire ˌsav-ˌwär-ˈfer 

: capacity for appropriate action

especially : a polished sureness in social behavior

Choose the Right Synonym for 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.

questions showing a lack of tact

address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

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 on the Web

The ateliers were set free post the revolutions, the guilds were abolished and there was this enormous growth of the French know-how, a savoir faire. —Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 11 June 2024

Del Rey’s striking look referenced an archival Alexander McQueen design from the house’s fall 2006 collection; McGirr wanted to celebrate the savoir faire of the atelier in a new, contemporary way. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 May 2024

Learn the art of French savoir faire from local tastemakers. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024

The family had brilliant old Cognac in the cellar and knew all the production secrets (the fabled French savoir faire), but sales had stalled. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

French savoir-faire, literally, knowing how to do

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above