savoir faire
noun
Example Sentences
Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Aug. 2022 Balmain fine jewelry is the transposition of the maison ethos, iconic designs, and singular savoir faire into bold jewelry lines. Alison S. Cohn, Harper's BAZAAR, 26 July 2022 Not long ago, a quick-service pit stop would have been unimaginable coming from a restaurateur known for his savoir faire and designer suits. New York Times, 11 July 2022 The result is an exceptional concentration of arts and métiers d’art with an extraordinary savoir faire and craftmanship which celebrate the private world of Gabrielle Chanel. Cécilia Pelloux, Forbes, 22 May 2022 The unique set, made of wool silk, was produced by hand crochet and knitting savoir faire, and took approximately 180 hours to finish. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 June 2022 Suddenly, the singular know-how and savoir faire of the Prada Group is merely a phone call away. Jeremy Lewis, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2022 With this extraordinary plane, Air France accumulated an unbelievable savoir faire. Cécilia Pelloux, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2021 Both manufactures have plenty to work with in terms of innovations, history and savoir faire, but have failed to gain the kind of traction that Kering’s ultra-successful revamps of Balenciaga and Gucci have seen. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
French savoir-faire, literally, knowing how to do
1788, in the meaning defined above
savoir faire
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- sensitivity
- charm
- gallantry
- grace
- manners
- courtesy
- gracefulness
- consideration
- diplomacy
- tact
- poise
- suavity
- gentility
- mannerliness
- thoughtfulness
- etiquette
- tactfulness
- graciousness
- suaveness
- considerateness
- respect
- politeness
- courteousness
- dexterity
- deference
- finesse
- civility
- regard
- adroitness
- delicacy
- deftness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- gaucheness
- awkwardness
- maladroitness
- inconsiderateness
- discourtesy
- disregard
- gracelessness
- discourteousness
- thoughtlessness
- indelicacy
- inconsideration
- impoliteness
- incivility
- disrespect
- impoliteness
- brashness
- boorishness
- rudeness
- impudence
- insolence
- loutishness
- ungraciousness
- clumsiness
- insensitivity
- impertinence
- brassiness
- tactlessness
- disrespectfulness
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of savoir faire are address, poise, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.
While the synonyms address and savoir faire are close in meaning, address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.
The words poise and savoir faire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.
Although the words tact and savoir faire have much in common, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.