adjective / noun / verb
savvy
SAV-ee/ˈsævi/
Practical understanding gained through experience.
The savvy shopper compares quality and confidently negotiates a price.
Etymology
Latin sapere links having taste with having discernment or wisdom. Savvy carries the knowing side of that connection: practical intelligence and an understanding of how the world works.
In context
there's not a maybe a lot of financial or accounting savvy, but out of the goodness of people's hearts, they wanted to help restaurants, but everybody was buying gift certificates. I'm like, that's a liability on your balance sheet.
More examples
- She has the business savvy to spot a bad deal.
- I'm savvier about online scams after that costly mistake.
- I don't savvy what you're trying to tell me.
Forms
savvy · savvies · savvied · savvying · savvier · savviest
savviness noun — Practical knowledge and sound everyday judgment.
Similar words
- shrewdness
- Emphasizes sharp judgment, especially in gaining a personal advantage.
- expertise
- Emphasizes specialized skill rather than general practical good judgment.