Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

savoir-faire

/ˌsævwɑɹˈfɛɹ/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.30 in modern English

Syllables: savoir--faire
IPA: /ˌsævwɑɹˈfɛɹ/

17

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

3

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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

Uncountable

Example Sentences

"Dr. Brighton-Pomfrey had the savoir-faire of a successful consultant; he prided himself on being all things to all men; but just for an instant he was at a loss what sort of thing he had to be here."
"I am also deeply thankful to my editor Judy Knipe, whose savoir-faire and perfectionism gave the book its final polish and shape."

Etymology

Borrowed from French savoir-faire (“know-how”), from savoir (“to know (how)”) + faire (“to do”).

Origin

Source language: French

Word Breakdown

Root: savoir-faire

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˌsævwɑɹˈfɛɹ/
British English: /ˌsævwɑːˈfɛə/

Usage

Uncountable

Synonyms

know-how address

Questions

How do you pronounce savoir-faire?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˌsævwɑɹˈfɛɹ/.
What does savoir-faire mean?: The ability to do or say what is appropriate for the occasion.
Where does savoir-faire come from?: It is traced to French.

How to pronounce savoir-faire

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “savoir-faire”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˌsævwɑɹˈfɛɹ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “savoir-faire” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.