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 advancement can help refine weather forecasts and risk assessments, providing timely warnings and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities and infrastructure. "

From Science Daily

The researchers said their next steps are to conduct further studies to identify biomarkers, refine dosages, investigate sex differences and figure out how PNA5 might work.

From Science Daily

More and better information was needed to refine Chiari type-1 diagnoses so doctors could reliably determine which cases call for which clinical interventions, if any.

From Science Daily

A further societal benefit will be a refined map of earthquake-prone faults.

From Science Magazine

So Africa’s largest oil producer has been exporting its crude which is then refined abroad, much to the delight of some well-connected traders.

From BBC

Related Words

• civilize
• clarify
• cultivate
• hone
• improve