Suavity
/ˈswæv.ə.ti/noun
The quality of being pleasantly gentle, polite, and agreeable.
Did you know?Suavity belongs to the same ancient word family as “persuade,” reflecting an old association between sweetness, charm, and the power to influence others.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*swād-u-
“Sweet or pleasant; the reconstructed root behind later words for sweetness and agreeable speech.”
Classical Latin
Latin
suāvis
“Sweet, pleasant, agreeable, or charming.”
Classical Latin
Latin
suāvitās
“Sweetness, pleasantness, charm, or agreeable manner.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
suāvitās
“Pleasantness or graciousness, especially as a quality of manner or speech.”
15th Century
English
suavity
“Pleasantness, agreeableness, or polished gentleness.”
Modern English
English
suavity
“A smooth, gracious, and agreeable manner.”