Advertisement
Advertisement
finesse
[ fi-ness ]
noun
- extreme delicacy or subtlety in action, performance, skill, discrimination, taste, etc.
Synonyms: sensibility, sensitivity, circumspection, diplomacy, tact
- skill in handling a difficult or highly sensitive situation; adroit and artful management:
exceptional diplomatic finesse.
Synonyms: sensibility, sensitivity, circumspection, diplomacy, tact
- a trick, artifice, or stratagem.
- Bridge, Whist. an attempt to win a trick with a card while holding a higher card not in sequence with it, in the hope that the card or cards between will not be played.
verb (used without object)
- to use finesse or artifice.
- to make a finesse at cards.
verb (used with object)
- to bring about by finesse or artifice.
- to avoid; circumvent.
- to make a finesse with (a card).
- to force the playing of (a card) by a finesse.
finesse
/ fɪˈnɛs /
noun
- elegant skill in style or performance
- subtlety and tact in handling difficult situations
- bridge whist an attempt to win a trick when opponents hold a high card in the suit led by playing a lower card, hoping the opponent who has already played holds the missing card
- a trick, artifice, or strategy
verb
- to manage or bring about with finesse
- to play (a card) as a finesse
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of finesse1
Discover More
Example Sentences
He affected an anchorman finesse in apologizing for “past mistakes” as a Ku Klux Klan leader.
The best whiskies are made with finesse and the same attention to detail and mindfulness as the finest teas or sushi.
A lot of Republican candidates are trying to finesse the establishment-Tea Party Maginot Line and be both things to all people.
Whereas the first three seasons were subtle, there is a decided lack of finesse here.
Phoenix conveys the ambiguities of his character with great finesse.
The same game of finesse was played at his own table; for there De Patinos had for some time assumed an air of civility.
Yet the word vagrant is a misnomer in this city, where economy has reached a finesse that is marvelous.
His action was simply the action of a strong, business-like, and patriotic man, forgetful of finesse.
A servant full of finesse and irreproachable in appearance, he was of the greatest service to his master.
With much finesse Duret showed this young woman the character of M. de la Baudraye in its true light.
Advertisement
Discover More
Related Words
Word of the Day
[pet-ri-kawr]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse