Skip to main content

finesseskill and cleverness in dealing with people or situations

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: skill and cleverness in dealing with people or situations

Pronunciation (IPA): /fɪˈnes/

Example Sentences

  • The magician performed his tricks with such finesse that no one could figure out how he did it.
  • My attempt to finesse my way out of doing homework failed when my dog actually did eat it.
  • She handled the job interview with such finesse that she got hired on the spot.

finesse

NOUN

[/fɪˈnes/]

skill and cleverness in dealing with people or situations

The chef handled the fragile soufflé with remarkable finesse.
💡 Concept

The chef handled the fragile soufflé with remarkable finesse.

Address with finesse leads to success!
🎵 Rhyme

Address with finesse leads to success!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/fɪˈnes/
🇬🇧 UK/fɪˈnes/

🌳Etymology

Rootfin
Suffix--esse

Origin

From French 'finesse' meaning 'fineness' or 'delicacy,' derived from Old French 'fin' meaning 'fine' or 'refined,' which comes from Latin 'finis' meaning 'end' or 'boundary,' eventually taking on the sense of 'subtle refinement.'

Breakdown

fin- (fine, refined) + -esse (noun suffix denoting quality or state) = finesse (refined skill or delicate handling)

🎵Rhyme

addressexpresssuccessimpress
address
express
success
impress

🔗Collocations

with finesse
lack finesse
diplomatic finesse
show finesse
political finesse
finesse a situation

📝Examples

The magician performed his tricks with such finesse that no one could figure out how he did it.

😄 Fun example

My attempt to finesse my way out of doing homework failed when my dog actually did eat it.

She handled the job interview with such finesse that she got hired on the spot.

😄 Fun example

His cooking lacks finesse - he thinks garlic powder goes with everything, including ice cream.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

skillelegancesophisticationartistrysubtlety

Antonyms

clumsinessawkwardnessbluntness

Related

techniquegracerefinementdiplomacy

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.