refine

[ri-fahyn]

verb (used with object)

refined, refining 

1. to bring to a fine or a pure state; free from impurities.

   to refine metal, sugar, or petroleum.

2. to purify from what is coarse, vulgar, or debasing; make elegant or cultured.

3. to bring to a finer state or form by purifying.

4. to make more fine, subtle, or precise.

   to refine one's writing style.

verb (used without object)

refined, refining 

1. to become pure.

   The silver is refining in the furnace.

2. to become more fine, elegant, or polished.

   His parents hope that his manners will refine as he gets older.

3. to make fine distinctions in thought or language.

verb phrase

1. refine on / upon,  to improve by inserting finer distinctions, superior elements, etc..

   to refine on one's previous work.

refine

/ rɪˈfaɪn /

verb

1. to make or become free from impurities, sediment, or other foreign matter; purify

2. (tr) to separate (a mixture) into pure constituents, as in an oil refinery

3. to make or become free from coarse characteristics; make or become elegant or polished

4. to remove (something impure or extraneous)

5. (intr; often foll by on or upon) to enlarge or improve (upon) by making subtle or fine distinctions

6. (tr) to make (language) more subtle or polished

Other Word Forms

• refinable adjective
• refiner noun
• prerefine verb (used with object)
• self-refining adjective
• superrefine verb (used with object)
• unrefining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refine¹

First recorded in 1575–85; re- + fine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of refine¹

C16: from _re- + _fine ¹

Example Sentences

Their lot is similar to that of abused healthcare workers and public school teachers, other subjects served well by the mockumentary architecture that “The Office” refined into a workplace comedy standard.

From Salon

He continued to refine the shape through the 1980s, gradually easing the “wedge shape” jacket into a more relaxed silhouette with sloped shoulders and lower lapels.

From Los Angeles Times

Evans said he has a refined daily routine and is not overthinking.

From Los Angeles Times

Shettima said the temporary ban would enable Nigeria to move from being an exporter of the raw nuts to a global supplier of refined shea products.

From BBC

Niger has historically exported the metal for further refining in France, but that is changing as the military-led country cuts off ties with the former colonial power.

From BBC

Related Words

• civilize 
• clarify 
• cultivate 
• hone 
• improve