Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

finesse

/fɪˈnɛs/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.18 in modern English

Syllables
fin-esse
IPA
/fɪˈnɛs/
10
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A skill in the handling or manipulation of a situation.

Uncountable

noun

The property of having elegance, grace, refinement, or skill.

Uncountable

noun

An adroit maneuver.

Countable

noun

In bridge, whist, etc.: a technique which allows one to win a trick, usually by playing a card when it is thought that a card that can beat it is held by another player whose turn is over.

Countable

verb

To evade (a problem, situation, etc.) by using some clever argument or stratagem.

Canadian usage; American usage; Transitive verb

verb

To evade (a problem, situation, etc.) by using some clever argument or stratagem.

Canadian usage; American usage; Transitive verb

verb

To evade (a problem, situation, etc.) by using some clever argument or stratagem.

Canadian usage; American usage; Slang; Transitive verb

verb

To attempt to win a trick by finessing.

Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English finesse (“a degree of excellence; (of metal) fineness, purity”), from Middle French finesse, Old French finesse (“a fineness; a delicacy; slenderness”), from fine, fin (“fine, thin”) (from Latin fīnis (“an end”); compare Middle English fīn (“of superior quality; precious, valuable; admirable, pleasing; pure, refined; fineness, purity; delicate, exquisite, fine; sharp, thin”)) + -esse (suffix forming nouns describing the condition of being something). The verb is derived from the noun.

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: finesse, fīnis

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /fɪˈnɛs/
  • British English: /fɪˈnɛs/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce finesse?
The recorded pronunciation is /fɪˈnɛs/.
What does finesse mean?
A skill in the handling or manipulation of a situation.
Where does finesse come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce finesse

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “finesse”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/fɪˈnɛs/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “finesse”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “finesse” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.