51Թ

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View synonyms for

finesse

[ fi-ness ]

noun

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

    Synonyms: , , , ,

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

    exceptional diplomatic finesse.

    Synonyms: , , , ,

  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

/ ɪˈɛ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to manage or bring about with finesse
  2. to play (a card) as a finesse
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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51Թ 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
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of finesse1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

It will be a tall order requiring extraordinary political finesse to regain support on both flanks.

From

While Cooper scraped together the tiny budget from his own money, with help from family, and finessed Levy’s cooperation, Burke promised him they could shoot the film in a week.

From

The administration tried to finesse it by saying that war plans aren't classified, which is pathetic, but they managed to quiet the calls for Hegseth to resign.

From

The deadpan humor and psychological peril of it all is handled with prickly finesse for a good while, even as the darkness begins to set in on their desires and dreams.

From

Many California hotels have finessed the issue by restricting children’s access without banning them.

From

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