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Savvy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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savvy

[ˈsæv.i ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

informal use

Savvy means having practical knowledge or understanding of something. It often refers to being astute or perceptive in a particular area, especially in business or social situations.

Synonyms

astute, clever, knowledgeable, shrewd.

Examples of usage

  • She's very savvy about market trends.
  • You need to be tech-savvy to navigate this software.
  • His savvy negotiation skills helped close the deal.
Context #2 | Noun

informal use

Savvy also refers to comprehension or understanding. When someone possesses savvy, it indicates their level of intelligence or insight regarding a particular topic.

Synonyms

comprehension, insight, understanding.

Examples of usage

  • Do you have the savvy to manage this project?
  • Her political savvy is impressive.
  • Business savvy is crucial for success.
Context #3 | Verb

informal use

To savvy means to understand or comprehend something. It is often used in a casual context to imply grasping the essence of a concept or situation.

Synonyms

comprehend, grasp, understand.

Examples of usage

  • Do you savvy what I mean?
  • I savvy the risks involved.
  • He didn't savvy the instructions clearly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term has been popularized in movies and TV shows, often to describe someone who is street-smart or a clever leader.
  • In contemporary usage, 'savvy' is often paired with terms like 'tech-savvy' or 'business-savvy' to describe expertise in those areas.
  • The 2012 hit film 'The Savvy' focused on a group of friends whose cleverness helps them navigate life's challenges.

Psychology

  • Being savvy involves not just knowledge but also emotional intelligence, helping individuals read social cues effectively.
  • Savvy individuals tend to have stronger problem-solving skills and adaptability when facing new situations.
  • Studies show that being savvy can lead to better decision-making in both personal and professional contexts.

Literature

  • Savvy characters often feature in stories as the clever ones who solve problems, like Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle's mysteries.
  • The word is frequently used in young adult literature to describe protagonists who navigate complex scenarios successfully.
  • 'Savvy' signifies a relatable trait in literature, illustrating the importance of wit and understanding in overcoming challenges.

Origin of 'savvy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'savvy' comes from the French word 'savoir,' meaning 'to know.'
  • It began to appear in English around the 18th century, especially in nautical contexts.
  • Originally, 'savvy' was used mostly by sailors to indicate they understood something.

The word 'savvy' originates from the French word 'savoir', which means 'to know'. It was first recorded in English in the mid-19th century, where it was adopted in various forms within colloquial speech. Over time, 'savvy' evolved to describe a kind of practical knowledge or astuteness, particularly in social or commercial contexts. The concept of being 'savvy' has grown to encompass a wisdom that draws not only on theoretical knowledge but also on experience and insight into specific situations. Today, the term is widely used in informal contexts to describe someone who is perceptive and can navigate through problems skillfully.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,844, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.