First Known Use: 1785
Dictionary
1savvy
verb sav·vy \ˈsa-vē\
sav·viedsav·vy·ing
Definition of SAVVY
See savvy defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SAVVY
alteration of sabi know (in English-based creoles and pidgins), from Portuguese sabe he knows, from saber to know, from Latin sapere to be wise — more at sage
Related to SAVVY
- Synonyms
- appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decipher, decode, dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, recognize, register, comprehend, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understand
- Antonyms
- miss
Rhymes with SAVVY
2savvy
noun
: practical understanding or knowledge of something
Full Definition of SAVVY
: practical know-how <political savvy>
See savvy defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SAVVY
circa 1785
Related to SAVVY
- Synonyms
- chops, expertise, know-how, moxie, proficiency, experience, skills
- Antonyms
- inexperience
3savvy
adjective
: having practical understanding or knowledge of something
sav·vi·ersav·vi·est
Full Definition of SAVVY
: having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness especially in practical matters
— sav·vi·ly adverb
— sav·vi·ness noun
See savvy defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SAVVY
1905
Related to SAVVY
- Synonyms
- astute, canny, clear-eyed, clear-sighted, hard-boiled, hardheaded, heady, knowing, shrewd, sharp, sharp-witted, smart
- Antonyms
- unknowing
SAVVY Defined for Kids
1savvy
noun sav·vy \ˈsa-vē\
Definition of SAVVY for Kids
: practical knowledge or understanding <She's admired for her business savvy.>
2savvy
adjective
Definition of SAVVY for Kids
: having practical knowledge or understanding of something <savvy investors>
Learn More About SAVVY
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up savvy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).