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finesse

noun/fɪˈnɛs/

definition

intricate and refined delicacy in handling situations or tasks

example

Her finesse in navigating the complex negotiations impressed all the stakeholders involved.

synonyms
skilldelicacysubtlety
word origin — The word 'finesse' originates from the French word 'finesse', which means 'subtlety' or 'refinement'. It is derived from the Latin 'finis', meaning 'end' or 'limit'.

GRE Vocabulary — Set 58

Set 58 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: finesse, equanimity, gourmand, heresy, hyperbole. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. finesse · noun/fɪˈnɛs/

    intricate and refined delicacy in handling situations or tasks

    Her finesse in navigating the complex negotiations impressed all the stakeholders involved.

    Synonyms: skill, delicacy, subtlety

    Origin: The word 'finesse' originates from the French word 'finesse', which means 'subtlety' or 'refinement'. It is derived from the Latin 'finis', meaning 'end' or 'limit'.

  2. equanimity · noun/ˌɛkwəˈnɪməti/

    mental calmness and stability, especially in difficult situations

    Despite the chaos around her, she maintained her equanimity, calmly addressing every challenge that came her way.

    Synonyms: composure, serenity, calmness

    Origin: Latin 'aequanimitas', from 'aequus' meaning 'even' + 'animus' meaning 'mind'.

  3. gourmand · noun/ɡʊrˈmɑnd/

    a person who enjoys and appreciates fine food and drink

    As a true gourmand, she traveled around the world to sample the finest cuisine each country had to offer.

    Synonyms: epicure, foodie, connoisseur

    Origin: French, from 'gourmand' meaning 'glutton,' derived from the verb 'gourmer' meaning 'to eat' or 'to engulf.'

  4. heresy · noun/ˈhɛrəsi/

    a belief or opinion that goes against established religious doctrine

    The church deemed his theories as heresy, leading to his excommunication from the congregation.

    Synonyms: dissidence, unorthodoxy, apostasy

    Origin: from Middle English heresie, from Old French hérésie, from Latin haeresis, from Greek hairesis 'choice, heresy'.

  5. hyperbole · noun/haɪˈpɝː.bə.li/

    exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

    Her claim that she could run a mile in under two minutes was pure hyperbole, a common exaggeration used to impress her friends.

    Synonyms: exaggeration, overstatement, embellishment

    Origin: from Greek 'hyperbolē', meaning 'excess' or 'exaggeration'