Finesse

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /fɨˈnÉ›s/
• US IPA: /fɪˈnÉ›s/, /fəˈnÉ›s/

Origin

circa 1520 From Middle French finesse, from Old French fin ("fine").

Full definition of finesse

Noun

1. (uncountable) The property of having grace, elegance, skill, or balance.
2. (uncountable) Skill in handling of a situation.
3. (countable) An adroit maneuver.
4. (countable, bridge) A technique which allows one to promote tricks based on a favorable position of one or more cards in the hands of the opponent.

Verb

1. (ambitransitive, card games) To play (a card) as a finesse (see noun sense above).
2. (transitive) To handle or manage carefully or skillfully.
3. (transitive) To evade.