rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfinesseSubtle skill
noun / verb

finesse

fih-NES/fɪˈnes/

Skillful, subtle handling of a situation.

The violin maker adjusts the tiny bridge with finesse and careful fingertips.

An adult South Asian violin maker delicately adjusts the tiny wooden bridge of a violin with careful fingertips, controlled subtle precision visible.
Etymology
finesseFrenchfineness, subtlety

French finesse meant fineness or subtlety. English moved from fineness to delicate stratagems, connecting refinement with the subtle skill used to handle a situation.

In context

WELT Documentary24:34
with finesse even a small dent could make the propeller worthless
Big Ships & Heavy Load - Hard Work At The PORT OF HAMBURG | Full Documentary

More examples

  • Resolving the dispute takes patience and finesse.
  • We finesse the schedule to accommodate everyone's needs.
  • He finessed a difficult question without embarrassing the speaker.

Forms

finesse · finesses · finessed · finessing

Similar words

tact
Tact focuses on avoiding offense in sensitive social situations.
diplomacy
Diplomacy emphasizes managing relationships and disagreements without causing offense.