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savoir-faire

Verified French in English Society & ideas
savoir-faire
savoir-faire

Definition

Social ease or practical skill in handling a situation.

From French savoir-faire.

Merriam-Webster records 1788 for this headword. The date refers to the dictionary’s recorded sense, which may differ from the meaning illustrated here. See the dictionary entry.

Example of use

Her savoir-faire helped settle the awkward meeting.

Variants

savoir faire

Historical attestation

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savoir-faire

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