finesse

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Finesse refers to delicacy and subtlety when doing or achieving something. It's often about being gentle and precise.

You've probably noticed that people use "finesse" a lot in sports, especially in games like tennis or golf. Coaches might tell their players to bring finesse to their swings, which means making small, controlled movements rather than hitting the ball with brute force. When you watch a professional player's swing, you can see how it's a delicate balance of movement and strength. In other areas too, people talk about using finesse in tasks like cooking or fixing something delicate. It means being careful not to break or ruin what's already fragile, but instead getting the job done with precision and care.

How common is "finesse"?

Word finesse is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in magazine texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions

noun

  • (uncountable) Skill in the handling or manipulation of a situation.

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Real examples of "finesse" in context

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