Refined Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎩

Add to dictionary

refined

[rɪˈfaɪnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

quality

Showing good taste and attention to detail.

Synonyms

cultivated, elegant, graceful, polished, sophisticated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refined	This word is used to describe someone or something that has been improved or made more sophisticated, often through careful attention to detail. He has a refined taste in art The restaurant offers refined versions of classic dishes
elegant	This word is typically used to describe something that is tastefully luxurious and stylishly graceful. She wore an elegant evening gown to the gala The hotel's design is simple yet elegant
sophisticated	This word is best used to describe someone or something that is worldly, cultured, and possesses a deep understanding or knowledge, often about arts and culture. They enjoy sophisticated conversations about philosophy She has sophisticated tastes in wine
cultivated	Use this word to describe someone who has had a well-rounded education and is knowledgeable about arts and culture. She is a cultivated woman with a deep appreciation for classical music His cultivated manner made him the ideal diplomat
polished	This word describes someone or something that is refined and exhibits a high level of skill or sophistication, often due to practice. His performance was polished and professional The dancer has a polished routine
graceful	Use this word to describe someone or something that moves in a smooth, relaxed, and attractive way. The ballerina’s movements were incredibly graceful His speech was graceful and moving

Examples of usage

She had a refined taste in art.
His refined manners impressed everyone at the party.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

process

To improve by making small changes, to make more precise or polished.

Synonyms

develop, enhance, fine-tune, perfect, upgrade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refined	Used when making something more elegant, polished, or cultured. Often applies to manners, taste, or artistic skills. The artist has refined her techniques over the years. He has a refined taste in music and art.
perfect	Used when making something as good as possible, with no flaws. Often implies a high level of effort and attention to detail. She spent years perfecting her recipe for the competition. He is trying to perfect his English pronunciation.
enhance	Used when making something better, stronger, or more effective. Commonly found in discussions about quality improvement. The company upgraded its security features to enhance customer protection. Regular exercise can enhance your physical health.
upgrade	Used when replacing or improving something to a higher standard, especially in technology or infrastructure. We decided to upgrade our computer systems to improve efficiency. The airline upgraded him to first class.
fine-tune	Used when making small adjustments to improve the precision or performance of something. Often applied to mechanical or technical processes. The musician fine-tuned his guitar before the concert. We need to fine-tune our marketing strategy to increase sales.
develop	Used when creating or growing something over time, from its initial stage to a more advanced one. Often used in business, science, or technology. They plan to develop a new software application. She worked hard to develop her painting skills.

Examples of usage

He refined his skills through years of practice.
The company refined their product to meet customer demands.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Culture

In art, 'refined' is often used to describe techniques that focus on detail and subtlety, showcasing advanced skill.
Fashion often embraces refinement, with tailored clothing highlighting sophistication and elegance.
Classical music is often described as refined when it is performed with precision, clarity, and emotive expression.

Science

In chemistry, refining refers to purifying substances, such as separating edible oils from impurities.
The process of refining fossil fuels transforms crude oil into usable products by removing impurities and unwanted materials.
Biotechnology often involves refining genetic techniques to improve the yield and safety of crops.

Psychology

Refinement in behavior can reflect personal growth, where individuals evolve their responses and interactions.
Cognitive refinement is about honing critical thinking skills and becoming more adept at problem-solving.
In emotional intelligence, refinement refers to the ability to express feelings more clearly and effectively.

Philosophy

The notion of refinement can relate to developing one's moral character, striving towards virtues.
Philosophers often discuss the idea of refining thoughts and arguments to reach higher clarity and understanding.
In discussions of happiness, refinement involves appreciating life’s simple pleasures more deeply.

Origin of 'refined'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'refinire,' which means 'to finish again.'
It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally referring to processes used in metallurgy.
The prefix 're-' suggests repetition, indicating that refinement involves improving something multiple times.

The word 'refined' originated from the Latin word 'refinare', meaning 'to purify, refine'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'improved by small changes' or 'showing good taste'. The concept of refinement has been valued in various cultures throughout history, as it represents an attention to detail and elegance.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,340 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5337 influential
5338 copied
5339 blessing
5340 refined
5341 gradient
5342 evaluating
5343 stationary
...