Finesse
/fɪˈnɛs/
nounverbB2
Definition
Finesse is the ability to do something with great skill, especially when it needs careful and clever handling. As a noun, it describes skillful and smooth action. As a verb, it means to handle or manage something carefully and cleverly, sometimes by using smart or subtle methods.
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See It in Action
Noun: Skill and cleverness in handling a situation
- •She showed great finesse in negotiating the deal.
- •The artist painted the portrait with finesse and care.
- •Playing chess well requires finesse and strategy.
Verb: To handle or do something skillfully and carefully
- •He finessed the difficult question during the interview.
- •They managed to finesse the problem without upsetting anyone.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "finesse" like "skill" (A2 word), but with extra smoothness and cleverness—like doing something with a special touch
- ✓Picture a dancer moving gently and perfectly on stage, making every step look easy and beautiful
- ✓It’s the feeling when you solve a problem quietly and smartly without making a big fuss
- ✓Sounds like "fin-ESS" → imagine finishing a task with an extra "ess" sound, like a soft, smooth whisper showing care
- ✓Think of a chef carefully decorating a cake with small, perfect details—that is finesse in cooking
- ✓NOT like "force" (using power), finesse is about gentle, smart skill
- ✓NOT like "luck" (random chance), finesse is about control and cleverness
- ✓NOT like "simple skill" (just doing well), finesse includes style and subtle cleverness
- ✓NOT like "rough" or "fast" work—finesse is smooth and careful
Try Other Words
- •Skill: ability to do something well (Use when focusing on general ability without the idea of smoothness or clever tricks)
- •Delicacy: careful and gentle handling (Use when emphasizing careful and sensitive treatment)
- •Cleverness: smart and quick thinking (Use when emphasizing intelligence and smartness in action)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix) Root word "finesse" comes whole from French
- •Etymology: From French "finesse," meaning "delicacy, subtlety, skill"
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s, originally meaning fine skill or subtlety in action or speech
- •Modern usage: Used to describe smooth, clever skill in many areas like art, sports, conversation, or problem-solving
Reflect & Connect
•Can finesse be learned, or is it something people are born with? How can you improve your finesse?
•When is it better to use finesse instead of force or direct action in everyday life?
Fill in the blanks
1.She used finesse to ___ the difficult conversation without hurting anyone’s feelings.
2.Showing finesse in painting means paying attention to ___ and small details.
3.Unlike brute force, finesse requires ___ and careful skill.
4.When he finessed the situation, he used ___ rather than direct commands.
5.You often hear about finesse in sports when a player ___ the ball smoothly and cleverly.
6.To have finesse in negotiation means you ___ both skill and cleverness.
7.If someone lacks finesse, their actions might seem ___ or clumsy rather than smooth.