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

“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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

Garland referred to Menendez’s appeal to get witnesses to lie, plans to escape, and lies to relatives about the killings as a “sophistication of the web of lies and manipulation you demonstrated.”

From Los Angeles Times

As the market is growing in sophistication so are the ways to pay, with designers starting to use online payment plans to spread the cost.

From BBC

Detectives say they have observed growing sophistication in recent years in how criminals divert and intercept valuable goods being trucked into and out of Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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