Polished: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone or something that is very smooth and well-finished. It can be used for physical surfaces or for person’s manners and professionalism.

• The marble floor was polished to perfection
• His presentation was polished and impressed the audience

Implies having or showing well-developed manners, taste, and good judgment. Often indicates a process of improvement or purification.

• The restaurant was known for its refined cuisine
• Her speech was refined and gracefully communicated her points

Describes someone who has a lot of experience and knowledge about the world, especially about the arts and culture. Also used for things that are advanced or complex.

• She has a sophisticated understanding of modern art
• The software is very sophisticated and can handle complex tasks

Refers to someone who has refined taste and education, especially in the arts, literature, or social graces.

• She is a very cultured woman with a deep appreciation for classical music
• He gave a cultured response, showing his knowledge of art history

Describes something or someone that is graceful, stylish, and sophisticated. Often used for fashion, design, and manners.

• The bride's dress was incredibly elegant
• His elegant manners made him a favorite among the social elite

Describes something that has been made smooth and shiny through rubbing or cleaning, often used to describe a professional or refined appearance.

• The antique table was polished to perfection.
• Her speech was polished and well-rehearsed.

Describes the bright and reflective quality of a surface that has been polished or cleaned. It can also describe the action of making something glossy.

• Her shoes had a brilliant shine after she polished them.
• He loves to shine his bicycle every Sunday.

Indicates the action of rubbing something to make it shiny, often used for surfaces like floors or cars. Also can describe someone who is muscular (context not cleaning-related).

• He spent the afternoon buffing his car's hood until it gleamed.
• The janitor will buff the floors tonight.

Refers to the action of pressing and moving your hand or an object back and forth against a surface, typically to remove dirt or to make it smoother.

• She rubbed the stain out of the shirt.
• He rubbed his temples to relieve the headache.

Refers to the state of being free from dirt, marks, or unwanted matter. It can also indicate something that is tidy and organized.

• She spent the morning cleaning her room.
• Make sure the dishes are clean before putting them away.