Refinement

/rɪˈfaɪnmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The process of improving something by making small changes.

The chef's refinement of the recipe transformed it into a culinary masterpiece.

The quality of being cultured, educated, and sophisticated.

Her refinement was evident in her elegant demeanor and articulate speech.

A subtlety or distinction in meaning, expression, or response.

The refinement in his argument made it more convincing to the audience.

The process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance.

The oil undergoes a refinement process to ensure it meets industry standards.

From Middle English 'refinemente', from Old French 'raffinement', from 'raffiner' (to refine) + '-ment' (a suffix forming nouns).

refinement of taste

The ability to discern and appreciate finer qualities in food, art, or culture.

refinement in style

A sophisticated and elegant manner of doing or presenting something.

social refinement

The behavior and manners that are characteristic of an educated and cultured individual.

refine

To make something pure or improve it by removing unwanted elements.

refined

Having been made pure or of high quality.

refinement (as in behavior)

Showing good manners, politeness, and cultured behavior.

Having taste or being sophisticated.

He's got a lot of refinement in how he dresses.

To make something better in a trendy or stylish way.

That upgrade to the decor really added some refinement to the café.