Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun The ability to say or do the appropriate or graceful thing in social situations.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The faculty of knowing just what to do and how to do it; skilful management; tact; address.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The ability to do or say what is appropriate for the occasion.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun social skill

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[French : savoir, to know how + faire, to do.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

French savoir-faire, know-how, from savoir, to know (how) + faire, to do

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Examples

  • The savoir-faire in the region has helped elevate linen to a high-fashion fabric.

    The Muddy Roots of Fine Linen Christina Passariello 2011

  • He enjoyed their company, admired their intelligence and savoir-faire, and made friends.

    Looking Back On the Spy Life Charles McCarry 2011

  • See the comments section at the blog and thank you for sharing your own language savoir-faire.

    French Destinations 2010

  • As you can probably guess from the name, the show forces attractive women and geeky guys to co-habit and transform their opposite numbers, giving the geeks apparent savoir-faire and the beauties a sheen of academic knowledge.

    Seven Seeks Beauty And The Geek Contestants | Lifehacker Australia 2009

  • Apart from the couple of fluid balances in the wedding pas de deux, she offering intent lessons in technical savoir-faire.

    Archive 2009-11-01 admin 2009

  • Mr. Arnault has often complimented Herm è s on its image and savoir-faire.

    LVMH Takes Stake in Herm Christina Passariello 2010

  • Food professionals of every branch are taking their time to transmit their passion and their savoir-faire in an effort to bring new taste sensations and food awareness to the French, encourage the discovery of la diversité des goûts et saveurs, diversity in taste and flavors.

    Jamie Schler: La Semaine du Goût: The Week of Taste Jamie Schler 2010

  • Food professionals of every branch are taking their time to transmit their passion and their savoir-faire in an effort to bring new taste sensations and food awareness to the French, encourage the discovery of la diversité des goûts et saveurs, diversity in taste and flavors.

    Jamie Schler: La Semaine du Goût: The Week of Taste Jamie Schler 2010

  • Food professionals of every branch are taking their time to transmit their passion and their savoir-faire in an effort to bring new taste sensations and food awareness to the French, encourage the discovery of la diversité des goûts et saveurs, diversity in taste and flavors.

    Jamie Schler: La Semaine du Goût: The Week of Taste Jamie Schler 2010

  • Apart from the couple of fluid balances in the wedding pas de deux, she offering intent lessons in technical savoir-faire.

    The orchestra : which is leasing the structure admin 2009

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