polished

[pol-isht]

adjective

1. made smooth and glossy.

   a figurine of polished mahogany.

2. naturally smooth and glossy.

   polished pebbles on the beach.

3. refined, cultured, or elegant.

   a polished manner.

4. flawless; skillful; excellent.

   a polished conversationalist.

polished

/ ˈpɒlɪʃt /

adjective

1. accomplished

   a polished actor

2. impeccably or professionally done

   a polished performance

3. (of rice) having had the outer husk removed by milling

Other Word Forms

• unpolished adjective
• well-polished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polished¹

First recorded in 1325–75, polished is from the Middle English word polist. See polish, -ed ²

Example Sentences

The number of diamonds polished every month has plunged from 2,000 to barely 300.

From BBC

Inside the workshop, gleaming rows of polished pianos are packed in closely together.

From BBC

There is also a working kitchen, a studio kitted out like a living room, and a polished wooden floored room with high ceilings which acts as a village hall, church or restaurant.

From BBC

As he opened his eyes and saw the guards, bright lights and polished concrete floor, he asked: “God, why am I here? Why?”

From Salon

Considering how polished he was as an NFL player, it’s mind-boggling he achieved what he did without the practice and polish of college football.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bright 
• burnished www.thesaurus.com
• glistening www.thesaurus.com
• refined 
• shiny 
• smooth 
• urbane