suave
Say it: SWAHV /swɑːv/ · adjective
What “suave” means
Smoothly charming, confident and stylish.
More precisely: Charming, confident and elegant, sometimes in a smooth, insincere way.
Example: “The suave salesman had us test-driving a car we couldn't afford.”
When to use it
For someone with polished charm and stylish confidence, often admiringly but sometimes suggesting their smoothness feels rehearsed.
Similar words
smooth, urbane, debonair
Where it comes from
From French, from Latin suavis, 'agreeable'.
Quick check
A guest with immaculate clothes and an effortless smile charms everyone while calmly handling an awkward introduction. He seems…
suave or timid?
Show the answer
suave
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “suave”