finesse

[fi-ness]

noun

1. extreme delicacy or subtlety in action, performance, skill, discrimination, taste, etc.

   Synonyms: sensibility, sensitivity, circumspection, diplomacy, tact

2. skill in handling a difficult or highly sensitive situation; adroit and artful management.

   exceptional diplomatic finesse.

   Synonyms: sensibility, sensitivity, circumspection, diplomacy, tact

3. a trick, artifice, or stratagem.

4. 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)

finessed, finessing 

1. to use finesse or artifice.

2. to make a finesse at cards.

verb (used with object)

finessed, finessing 

1. to bring about by finesse or artifice.

2. to avoid; circumvent.

3. to make a finesse with (a card).

4. to force the playing of (a card) by a finesse.

finesse

/ fɪˈnɛs /

noun

1. elegant skill in style or performance

2. subtlety and tact in handling difficult situations

3. 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

4. a trick, artifice, or strategy

verb

1. to manage or bring about with finesse

2. to play (a card) as a finesse

Word History and Origins

Origin of finesse¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English: “degree of excellence or purity,” from Middle French, from fin fine ¹ + -esse -ice

Word History and Origins

Origin of finesse¹

C15: from Old French, from fin fine, delicate; see _fine ¹

Example Sentences

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Read more on BBC

With enough time and imagination, kickers and equipment managers are capable of finessing footballs in ways that make them soar.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I cannot see Borthwick consistently going with that much power on the bench, because when you are playing against better sides, you need that experience, power, skill, and finesse from the start of the game.

Read more on BBC

None are perfect and yet any number might finesse the unspoken disaster now in the party’s relationship with the broad electorate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And though excitement in the concert hall should not be underrated, finesse has merits, too.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acumen 
• competence 
• guile 
• quickness www.thesaurus.com
• savvy 
• skill 
• sophistication 
• subtlety 
• tact