finesse

//fɪˈnɛs//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of finesse

Noun

finesseSingular
finessesPlural
1

Skillful and subtle handling of a situation; delicate and refined artistry or tact.

She handled the delicate negotiations with great finesse.

2

In card games, especially bridge, an attempt to win a trick with a card that is not the highest held.

She attempted a finesse with the queen, hoping the king was in the other hand.

Verb

finesseInfinitive
finessePresent tense
finessedPast tense
finessedPast participle
finessingPresent participle
finessesThird-person singular
1

To handle or manage with skill and subtlety.

She finessed the difficult negotiation with ease.

2

To achieve something by using clever or indirect methods.

She finessed her way into the exclusive club by charming the doorman.