refine

[ ri-fahyn ]

verb (used with object)

, re·fined, re·fin·ing.

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)

, re·fined, re·fin·ing.

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

/ 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. 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

Derived Forms

• reˈfinable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·fina·ble adjective
• re·finer noun
• prere·fine verb (used with object) prerefined prerefining
• self-re·fining adjective
• super·re·fine verb (used with object) superrefined superrefining
• unre·fining 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

This offseason, he wants to add weight to become more durable and refine his consistency.

From Washington Post

In other words, it takes more energy to recover, process, transport, and refine a barrel of Tar Sands oil than one from say, Texas’ Permian Basin.

From Popular-Science

It’s vital to think both in terms that are broader and more refined by being visible to those who are interested in what you have to offer but might not yet know about your product or brand.

From Search Engine Watch

Those candidates spent a week in virtual intensive collaboration with industry experts, who tweaked and refined their innovations.

From Time

Without A-list superstars to lean on, Utah has refined its four-out offensive system while sticking to its tried-and-true defensive identity around Gobert.

From Washington Post

It makes us refine our arguments, and search for greater efficiencies, and do our jobs better.

From The Daily Beast

Saudi Arabia sits on top of a vast reservoir of high quality oil that is cheap to pump and cheap to refine.

From The Daily Beast

But in the late 19th century, we learned how to refine grain and make white flour.

From The Daily Beast

We continue to research and refine abortion care while helping to break down barriers separating women from high-quality services.

From The Daily Beast

I can continually refine the characters, their histories, and their damage, until they are exactly the right people I need.

From The Daily Beast

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined: and I will try them as gold is tried.

From Project Gutenberg

Refine and purge our earthy parts; But, oh, inflame and fire our hearts!

From Project Gutenberg

They could refine gold and silver and make weapons of tempered copper, but they were entirely ignorant of the use of iron.

From Project Gutenberg

Does it refine the moral taste, or call into action the best feelings of our nature?

From Project Gutenberg

The letter to Bliss and the proofs were full of suggested changes that would refine and beautify the text.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• civilize
• clarify
• cultivate
• hone
• improve