English Reference

Word

distilled

Phoneticsdis·tilled

US/dɪˈstɪɫd/

UK/dɪstˈɪld/

Definition

adj. describing something that has been simplified to its most important parts. It can also describe a liquid that has been purified by boiling it and cooling the steam.

adj. Refers to the essence of an idea or text after removing superfluous details; also describes a substance purified through evaporation and condensation. Often used as a participial adjective in both literal and figurative contexts.

Examples

“The book provides a distilled version of the complex history.”

“After hours of debate, the committee presented a distilled set of recommendations that addressed the core concerns of the staff.”

“The poet's work offers a distilled reflection on grief, stripping away narrative artifice to leave only the raw emotional resonance of the experience.”

Examples

simple

“The book provides a distilled version of the complex history.”

contextual

“After hours of debate, the committee presented a distilled set of recommendations that addressed the core concerns of the staff.”

complex

“The poet's work offers a distilled reflection on grief, stripping away narrative artifice to leave only the raw emotional resonance of the experience.”

Usage

Often used as a participial adjective before a noun; in its figurative sense, it frequently pairs with 'essence' or 'version'.

Real-World Examples

“Americans buy nearly half of all spirits distilled in Canada.”
Toronto Sun · 9 Sept 2026
“Imported goods from the United States, including vinyl floor coverings, industrial adhesives, clothing, furniture, shoes, sporting equipment, and select U.S.-distilled spirits are among the hundreds of items subject to new tariffs.”
Toronto Sun · 25 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference