Polished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💎

Add to dictionary

polished

[ˈpɒlɪʃt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance

Showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience.

Synonyms

cultured, elegant, refined, sophisticated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
polished	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
refined	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
sophisticated	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
cultured	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
elegant	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

Examples of usage

She was elegant, with a polished manner that impressed everyone.
His polished appearance and confident demeanor commanded attention.
The polished marble floors gleamed in the sunlight.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

object

To make something smooth and shiny by rubbing.

Synonyms

buff, clean, rub, shine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
polished	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.
shine	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.
buff	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.
rub	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.
clean	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.

Examples of usage

He polished his shoes until they sparkled.
She polished the silverware before setting the table.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, polished items symbolize wealth and care, reflecting a person's status.
Traditional crafts often include polished wooden artifacts, showing the skill of artisans in different societies.
The phrase 'polished performance' is often used in the context of theater and music, indicating skill and practice.

Fashion and Design

Polished surfaces are favored in modern interior designs for their aesthetics and reflections.
In fashion, polished shoes are considered a mark of professionalism and neatness.
The rise of minimalist design emphasizes clean, polished lines and surfaces for a contemporary look.

Science

In materials science, polished metals are studied for their reflective properties and resilience.
Polishing in scientific labs is crucial for creating smooth surfaces on instruments to ensure accuracy.
The process of polishing can also be affected by the type of material and technique chosen.

Literature

In literature, a polished narrative refers to a story that has been carefully edited for clarity and flow.
Authors spend time polishing their writing to enhance the reader's experience and engagement.
The phrase 'polished prose' signifies writing that is elegant and well-crafted.

Origin of 'polished'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'polire', meaning 'to polish or to make smooth'.
It has evolved through Old French before making its way into English in the 14th century.
Related forms of the word include 'polish' as a noun, referring to the agent used for shining things.

The word 'polished' originated from the Middle English word 'polisshed', which came from the Old French word 'poliss-', stem of 'polir', meaning 'to polish'. The sense of 'elegant and refined' dates back to the early 17th century. The verb sense of 'to make smooth and shiny by rubbing' has been in use since the late 16th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,391 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6388 separating
6389 barley
6390 constituent
6391 polished
6392 microscope
6393 alkaline
6394 questioning
...