refine
pronunciation
How to pronounce refine in British English:
UK [rɪˈfaɪn]
How to pronounce refine in American English:
US [rɪˈfaɪn]
-
- Verb:
- improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
- make more complex, intricate, or richer
- treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition
- reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities
- attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or validity by polishing or purifying
- make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of
Word Origin
- refine
- refine: see fine
- refine (v.)
- 1580s, of metals, c. 1590 of manners, from re-, intensive prefix, + obsolete fine (v.) "make fine," from fine (adj.) "delicate." Compare French raffiner, Italian raffinare, Spanish refinar. General and figurative sense is recorded from 1590s; of sugar, from 1610s. Related: Refined; refining.
Example
- 1. If this sounds surreal , let me refine the last statement .
- 2. But , as people began to refine oils from plants , the ratio became skewed toward omega-6 .
- 3. Meanwhile , efforts to refine and harmonise carbon footprinting and labelling at a global level are advancing .
- 4. It helps you improve yourself and refine your skills .
- 5. Style tiles offer a catalyst for discussions to clarify and refine the client 's preferences and goals .