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Meaning & use

refined

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/rɪˈfaɪnd/
US/rɪˈfaɪnd/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparableapproving

    Polite, elegant, and showing good taste in the way a person speaks, dresses, or behaves.

    Grammar: Can follow more or most: a more refined style; it is usually positive, though sometimes slightly snobbish.

    Patterns

    • refined manners
    • refined taste

    She spoke in a quiet, refined voice that made everyone listen.

    The hotel offers a refined atmosphere with soft music and fine linen.

    He had refined tastes in music and collected rare records.

  2. adjectivebefore a nountechnical

    Treated in a factory so that dirt and unwanted parts are taken out, leaving a purer material.

    Grammar: Usually comes before the noun: refined sugar, refined oil.

    Patterns

    • refined sugar
    • refined oil

    Refined sugar is white because the natural molasses has been removed.

    The plant turns crude oil into refined fuel.

    Many nutritionists advise eating less refined flour.

  3. adjectivecomparable

    Improved by many small changes until it is more accurate, effective, or precise.

    Grammar: Can follow be or come before a noun: the method is refined; a refined technique.

    Patterns

    • a refined method
    • a refined version of something

    The team released a refined version of the app after months of testing.

    Her refined technique allowed her to paint delicate lines with ease.

    The engineers used a more refined model to predict traffic.

Word forms

comparativemore refined
superlativemost refined

Common combinations

refined taste
His refined taste showed in the way he chose wine.
refined sugar
The recipe uses honey instead of refined sugar.
highly refined
The process is highly refined and rarely produces waste.
refined manners
The children were praised for their refined manners at dinner.
refined version
A refined version of the plan was presented on Monday.

Synonyms and how they differ

cultured
Cultured suggests knowledge of the arts and learning, while refined focuses on polished behavior and taste.
polished
Polished can describe a smooth performance or manner, but it hints at practiced skill more than natural good taste.
elegant
Elegant describes graceful appearance or style, while refined can also apply to behavior, speech, and processed substances.
purified
Purified refers only to substances made clean, whereas refined can also describe people and ideas.

Opposites

crudecoarseunrefined

Word family

refine verb
to make purer or better by removing faults or impurities
refinement noun
a small improvement, or elegance of manner
refinery noun
a factory where raw materials like oil or sugar are purified
unrefined adjective
not purified or lacking polish
refiner noun
a person or machine that purifies materials

Commonly confused: refined or defined?

refined vs defined

Defined means clearly outlined or explained, while refined means improved, purified, or elegant; they sound alike, which can cause spelling slips.

Practice

The cafe's decor was ___: soft lighting, quiet music, and linen napkins.

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