FINESSE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does finesse mean? 

• FINESSE (noun)
  The noun FINESSE has 1 sense:

1. subtly skillful handling of a situation

  Familiarity information: FINESSE used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FINESSE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Subtly skillful handling of a situation

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

delicacy; diplomacy; discreetness; finesse

Hypernyms ("finesse" is a kind of...):

tact; tactfulness (consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense)

 Context examples 

You slur over work of the utmost finesse and delicacy, in order to dwell upon sensational details which may excite, but cannot possibly instruct, the reader.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Perhaps Catherine was wrong in not demanding the cause of that gentle emotion—but she was not experienced enough in the finesse of love, or the duties of friendship, to know when delicate raillery was properly called for, or when a confidence should be forced.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Nature has denied him the highest gifts, and I find him adverse to employing the compensating advantages of art; but, at least, I have shown him something of life, and I have taught him a few lessons in finesse and deportment which may appear to be wasted upon him at present, but which, none the less, may come back to him in his more mature years.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

However, I have no doubt that with a little delicacy and finesse the end may be attained.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)