noun
- A highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality."they performed with great polish"; "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"; "almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art-Joseph Conrad
- synonyms: polish, culture, cultivation, finish
- The result of improving something.
- usage: "he described a refinement of this technique"
- synonyms: elaboration
- The process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc..
- synonyms: refining, purification
- A subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude.
- usage: "without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor"; "don't argue about shades of meaning"
- The quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste.
- usage: "a man of intellectual refinement"; "he is remembered for his generosity and civilization"
- synonyms: civilization, civilisation
WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
| APA | WordNet. (2010). refinement. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/refinement/definitions/1323259 |
| Chicago | WordNet. 2010. "refinement" http://smartdefine.org/refinement/definitions/1323259 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | WordNet 2010, refinement, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/refinement/definitions/1323259>. |
| MLA | WordNet. "refinement" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/refinement/definitions/1323259> |