savoir-vivre

[ sav-wahr-vee-vruh, -veev; French sa-vwar-vee-vruh ]

/ ˈsæv wɑrˈvi vrə, -ˈviv; French sa vwarˈvi vrə /

knowledge of the world and the ways or usages of polite society.

Origin of savoir-vivre

1745–55; < French: literally, knowing how to live

Kindness is the principle of tact, and respect for others the first condition of savoir-vivre.

Amiel's Journal |Henri-Frdric Amiel
Kindness is the principle of tact, and respect for others the condition of 'savoir-vivre.'

Character and Conduct |Various
In Glasgow, show your savoir-faire; but, in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, your savoir-vivre.

Friend Mac Donald |Max O'Rell
Respect for others is the first condition of 45 "savoir-vivre."

Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources |James Wood

He is a Jesuit by his garb; he is much more so than they are by his 'savoir-vivre'.

The Memoirs of Madame de Montespan, Complete |Madame La Marquise De Montespan

savoir-vivre

/ (ˈsævwɑːˈviːvrə) /

familiarity with the customs of good society; breeding

French, literally: a knowing how to live