sophistication

[suh-fis-ti-key-shuhn]

noun

1. sophisticated sophisticated character, ideas, tastes, or ways as the result of education, worldly experience, etc..

   the sophistication of the wealthy.

2. change from the natural character or simplicity, or the resulting condition.

3. complexity, as in design or organization.

4. impairment or debasement, as of purity or genuineness.

5. the use of sophistry; a sophism, quibble, or fallacious argument.

Other Word Forms

• antisophistication noun
• hypersophistication noun
• oversophistication noun
• self-sophistication noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sophistication¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin sophisticātiōn-, stem of sophisticātiō; equivalent to sophisticate + -ion

Example Sentences

What's different now is the sheer sophistication of the technology, with the widespread use of mobile phones, social media, messaging apps and now AI making it easier for people to mobilise.

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Orange County’s new sophistication ought to be above rivalry, but a touch of parochial defensiveness remains.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Son carries herself as she’d want her customers to — cutting-edge European looks and a natural sophistication.

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“As somebody who cut their teeth as a youth organizer, I have nothing but awe for the level of sophistication he brought to that field of work,” he said.

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The only dispute is over whether abusing people for perceived sophistication a good thing.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• composure 
• elegance 
• finesse 
• poise 
• refinement 
• tact 
• worldliness www.thesaurus.com