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Meaning & use

savvy

adjective, noun·Everydayinformal

Last updated

UK/ˈsæv.i/
US/ˈsæv.i/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparableinformal

    Having practical knowledge and good judgment, especially in a particular area.

    Grammar: Often used after a noun to form compounds like tech-savvy, or before a noun: a savvy investor.

    Patterns

    • savvy about something
    • savvy in something
    • tech-savvy
    • business-savvy

    She is very savvy about online security.

    He is a savvy investor who knows when to sell.

    The company hired a tech-savvy manager to update their systems.

  2. noununcountableinformal

    Practical knowledge and shrewd judgment about a particular subject.

    Grammar: Uncountable; often used in phrases like business savvy or political savvy.

    Patterns

    • business savvy
    • political savvy
    • have savvy

    Her business savvy helped the startup grow quickly.

    He has a lot of political savvy.

    You need some technical savvy to fix this computer.

Word forms

comparativesavvier
superlativesavviest

Common combinations

tech-savvy
Tech-savvy employees are in high demand.
business-savvy
She is a business-savvy entrepreneur.
savvy investor
A savvy investor diversifies their portfolio.
savvy about
He is savvy about the latest trends.

Synonyms and how they differ

shrewd
Shrewd is more formal and often implies cleverness in practical matters; savvy is informal and often used in compounds.
astute
Astute is formal and suggests sharp judgment; savvy is more casual and often relates to modern skills.
knowledgeable
Knowledgeable means having a lot of information; savvy implies practical wisdom and good judgment.

Opposites

naiveinexperienced

Word family

savvily adverb
In a savvy manner; with practical knowledge.
savviness noun
The quality of being savvy.

Commonly confused: savvy or savory?

savvy vs savory

Savory means salty or spicy rather than sweet; savvy means practical and knowledgeable.

Practice

Choose the correct word: 'She is very ______ about social media marketing.'

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