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refine

re·fine

refine

 
 
pronunciation:
rih faIn
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: refines, refining, refined
definition 1: to make pure or fine by removing unwanted elements.
Raw cane juice is refined to make sugar.Wheat is refined by removing the natural bran surrounding the kernel.
 
synonyms:
purify, rarefy
antonyms:
adulterate
similar words:
clarify, clean, cultivate, distill, filter, filtrate, fine, isolate, process, rectify, sift, strain, treat
definition 2: to bring to a more polished, elegant, or cultured state.
If you want to fit in with her family, you'll have to refine your table manners.
synonyms:
cultivate
antonyms:
coarsen
similar words:
civilize, cleanse, elevate, ennoble, improve, perfect, polish, purge, purify
definition 3: of writing or speaking, to make clearer or more sophisticated through precision, subtlety, or elegance of wording.
This is just the first draft of my essay; I'm planning to refine it.
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to make subtle or precise distinctions in language or thought.
synonyms:
subtilize
similar words:
discriminate, split hairs
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derivations: refined (adj.), refiner (n.)
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