A Word A Day : Finesse





Thursday, 23rd August 2007 : Today's Word is ...

Finesse



( Verb & Noun )


Pronunciation : (fi-nes')

1. To accomplish by the use of finesse

2. To handle with a deceptive or evasive strategy

3. To play (a card) as a finesse

4. To make a finesse in cards

5. Refinement and delicacy of performance, execution, or artisanship

6. Skillful, subtle handling of a situation

7. A stratagem in which one appears to decline an advantage

8. A method of leading up to a tenace, as in bridge, in order to prevent an opponent from winning the trick with an intermediate card


Etymology:


French, fineness, subtlety, from fin, fine


Synonyms:


1. know-how

2. maneuver

3. manipulate

4. delicacy

5. discreetness

6. diplomacy

7. tact

8. tactfulness

9. artisanship


Antonyms:


1. ignorance

2. clumsiness

3. mishandle

4. bobble


Contextual Example:


• Experience is what allows us to repeat our mistakes, only with more finesse!

• She was not experienced enough in the finesse of love or the duties of friendship.


Related Words:


Finessed, Finessing, Finesses : Verbs




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