Refined Meaning and Definition
Refined
Pronunciation
/ˈraɪnd/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Having a strong, subtle, and distinguished quality; having a high degree of refinement, culture, and sophistication.
Etymology
From Latin “refinem”, “to refine”, derived from “ratio”, meaning “measure” or “standard”.
Usage Notes
Refined can be used to describe something that has been cultivated, polished, or developed to a high level. For example, “The chef prepared a refined dish using only the finest ingredients.”.
Examples
- The artist’s refined technique earned her international recognition.
- The boutique hotel’s refined atmosphere made it a popular choice for couples.
Synonyms
- Cultivated
- Precise
- Sophisticated
Antonyms
- Crude
- Coarse
- Simplistic
Additional Information
Refined can also imply a sense of restraint, subtlety, and nuance. For instance, a refined sense of humor might involve a dry wit or subtle irony. Refined qualities can be found in various areas of life, including taste, style, and sophistication.
Refined can also imply a sense of maturity, growth, and development. For example, a refined person might have a greater sense of empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.
Inculcating refined qualities requires patience, practice, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Refined individuals tend to be discerning, thoughtful, and deliberate in their actions, words, and decisions.
Cultural References
Refined can be found in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and music. For instance, the character of Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice” is often described as refined and sophisticated.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some idiomatic expressions that include the word refined include “a refined sense of humor”, “a refined palate”, or “a refined intellect”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Discerning
- Sophisticated
- Cultivated
- Mature
Collocations
- Refined taste
- Refined sense of humor
- Refined cooking techniques
Frequency of Use
Refined is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in contexts where refinement, culture, and sophistication are relevant.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of refined include “refine”, “reined”, or “reined in”.