finesse

/fɨ-/noun

Skillful, delicate handling of a tricky situation.

Example sentence

“She defused the argument with remarkable finesse.”

As a verb it can mean handling something so cleverly that you dodge the real problem: 'They finessed the question.' The final e is silent: fih-NESS.

Related words

fingerprintThe pattern of ridged skin on the tip of a finger, which is different for every person.fierceExtremely intense, violent, or aggressive.fireplaceA recessed hearth built into a wall at the bottom of a chimney, where a fire can burn indoors.fickleChanging opinions, loyalties, or interests often and without good reason; not dependable.firewallA program that watches data flowing into and out of a computer or network and blocks anything that appears dangerous.fiascoA sudden, complete, and often embarrassing failure.