savoir-vivre

good manners, etiquette

noun sah-vwahr-VEE-vruh Rare

Usage Note

Savoir-vivre literally combines savoir (to know) and vivre (to live), denoting the art of behaving correctly in society. It is broader than mere table manners and encompasses tact, consideration, and social grace. The word is used in English as a borrowing and remains invariable in French — it takes no plural.

Examples

"Il manque totalement de savoir-vivre."

Natural Translation

He is completely lacking in good manners.

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