Smoothening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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smoothening

[ˈsmuːðənɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

making something smooth

Smoothening refers to the process of making a surface or an object smooth or even. It can be applied in various contexts, including physical surfaces, hair styling, and in figurative language to describe the act of reducing difficulties or enhancing comfort.

Synonyms

evening, levelling, polishing, smoothing, softening.

Examples of usage

  • She is smoothening her hair with a straightener.
  • The carpenter is smoothening the wooden table.
  • The software smoothens out the graphics for better rendering.
  • He is smoothening the edges of the metal sheet.
  • They worked on smoothening relations between the two countries.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art

  • In painting, artists often use smoothening techniques to create soft transitions between colors, enhancing visual appeal.
  • Sculptors smooth edges and surfaces with tools to achieve a polished finish on materials such as marble and wood.

Music

  • Smoothening can refer to the process of mixing tracks in music production, where harsh sounds are blended for a pleasing experience.
  • In jazz music, smoothening techniques result in seamless transitions between notes, creating a flowing and relaxing sound.

Cosmetics

  • In skincare, smoothening products like creams and serums aim to reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin texture.
  • Makeup artists use primers to create a smoothening effect on the skin before applying foundation, resulting in a flawless look.

Technology

  • In software engineering, smoothening algorithms help in reducing noise in data visualization, making charts clearer and easier to understand.
  • Smoothening techniques in graphic design can enhance the clarity of images, ensuring high-quality resolutions for prints and displays.

Origin of 'smoothening'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'smooth' comes from the Old English 'smeothe', which means 'even or level'.
  • The suffix '-ening' often indicates an action or process, linking it to other similar English words like 'brightening' and 'softening'.

The term 'smoothening' derives from the base word 'smooth', which comes from the Old English 'smoþ', meaning 'even, level, or unwrinkled'. This Old English word is related to the Proto-Germanic root '*smūthaz', signifying a similar sense of evenness and lack of texture. As language evolved, the suffix '-en' was added to create a verb form, indicating the action of rendering something smooth. The phrase has been used in various contexts indicating physical smoothness as well as metaphorical applications, such as in social or emotional contexts, suggesting the idea of making interactions or situations more pleasant and less abrasive. Over time, smoothening has become commonly used in English-speaking regions, bringing with it a broader understanding that extends beyond just the physical task of making surfaces smooth.