51Թ

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View synonyms for

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. to improve by inserting finer distinctions, superior elements, etc.:

    to refine on one's previous work.

refine

/ ɪˈڲɪ /

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. troften foll byout 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈھԲ, adjective
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ·ھa· adjective
  • ·ھİ noun
  • r·ھԱ verb (used with object) prerefined prerefining
  • -·ھiԲ adjective
  • p··ھԱ verb (used with object) superrefined superrefining
  • ܲr·ھiԲ adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of refine1

First recorded in 1575–85; re- + fine 1
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of refine1

C16: from re- + fine 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"In the past, we would have used customer satisfaction surveys," says Mr Salmon, "but with live shopping, we get feedback right away and I bring that back to my team to help refine our products."

From

But with his refined mechanics and externally-focused mindset, he immediately settled back down, retired his next three batters in order and went on to complete his first scoreless outing since last June 16.

From

Gas prices would go up and American jobs dedicated to refining that oil and exporting it would vanish.

From

Federer played with the refined precision of the famous watches made in his native Switzerland.

From

If he needs to spend time refining his delivery in the minor leagues, the Dodgers have the necessary depth to cover his absence.

From

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