savoir vivre

noun

savoir vi·​vre
-¦vēvr(ᵊ),
-v(rə)
: ability to live elegantly : observance of the usages of fashionable society

Word History

Etymology

French savoir-vivre, literally, knowing how to live

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of savoir vivre was in 1745

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Dictionary Entries Near savoir vivre

Cite this Entry

“Savoir vivre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savoir%20vivre. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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