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Finesse vs Subtlety - What's the difference?

finesse | subtlety | Related terms |

In uncountable terms the difference between finesse and subtlety

is that finesse is skill in handling of a situation while subtlety is the quality or fact of being subtle.

In countable terms the difference between finesse and subtlety

is that finesse is an adroit maneuver while subtlety is an ornate medieval illusion dish or table decoration, especially when made from one thing but crafted to look like another.

As a verb finesse

is to play (a card) as a finesse (see noun sense above).

finesse

English

Noun

  • (uncountable) The property of having grace, elegance, skill, or balance.
  • (uncountable) Skill in handling of a situation.
  • (countable) An adroit maneuver.
  • (countable, bridge) A technique which allows one to promote tricks based on a favorable position of one or more cards in the hands of the opponent.
  • Verb

    (finess)
  • (ambitransitive, card games) To play (a card) as a finesse (see noun sense above).
  • To handle or manage carefully or skillfully.
  • To evade.
  • subtlety

    Noun

  • (uncountable) The quality or fact of being subtle.
  • With all his usual subtlety , he quietly fixed the problem before anyone else noticed it.
  • (countable) An instance of being subtle, a subtle thing, especially a subtle argument or distinction.
  • The subtleties of this overture are often overlooked.
  • (countable) An ornate medieval illusion dish or table decoration, especially when made from one thing but crafted to look like another.
  • At the king's coronation feast, several subtleties were served between main courses.