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)

, fi·nessed, fi·ness·ing.

1. to use finesse or artifice.
2. to make a finesse at cards.

verb (used with object)

, fi·nessed, fi·ness·ing.

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

Related Words

• acumen
• competence
• guile
• quickness
• savvy
• skill
• sophistication
• subtlety
• tact