finesse

finesse, delicacy

noun fee-NESS Rare

Also means

sharpness, subtlety

Usage Note

Finesse covers both physical delicacy (the fineness of a fabric) and intellectual subtlety (a diplomat's finesse). Fin/fine is the adjective family; raffiner adds a sense of further refining.

Examples

"Sa finesse d'esprit est remarquable."

Natural Translation

Her intellectual subtlety is remarkable.

Literal Translation

Her fineness of mind is remarkable.

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