 refinement |
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| 1. | [ noun ] a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality | |
| Synonyms: | finish polish culture cultivation | |
| Examples: | "he 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"--Conrad |
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| Related terms: | perfection educate polish | |
| 2. | [ noun ] the result of improving something | |
| Synonyms: | elaboration | |
| Examples: | "he described a refinement of this technique" |
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| Related terms: | improvement complicate | |
| 3. | [ noun ] the process of removing impurities from oil or metals or sugar | |
| Synonyms: | purification refining | |
| Related terms: | processing rectification purify refine | |
| 4. | [ noun ] a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude | |
| Synonyms: | nuance shade subtlety nicety | |
| Examples: | "without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor" "don't argue about shades of meaning" |
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| Related terms: | meaning refine | |
| 5. | [ noun ] the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste | |
| Synonyms: | civilization civilisation | |
| Examples: | "a man of intellectual refinement" "he is remembered for his generosity and civilization" |
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| Related terms: | excellence educate | |
| 6. | [ noun ] elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression | |
| Synonyms: | breeding gentility genteelness | |
| Related terms: | elegance | |
| Similar spelling: |
repayment refinance |
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