Word
refine
Phoneticsre·fine, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹəˈfaɪn/
UK/ɹɪfˈaɪn/
Definition
v. to make small changes to something to make it better or more exact. You use this when you want to improve a plan, a skill, or a substance like oil.
v. to improve a process, theory, or object by making small, precise adjustments; to remove impurities from a raw substance. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“The chef needs to refine the recipe before the opening night.”
“The research team spent months gathering data to refine their hypothesis about climate change.”
“While the initial prototype demonstrated the core concept, the engineers had to refine the internal mechanics to ensure the device could withstand daily use in extreme temperatures.”
Examples
simple
“The chef needs to refine the recipe before the opening night.”
contextual
“The research team spent months gathering data to refine their hypothesis about climate change.”
complex
“While the initial prototype demonstrated the core concept, the engineers had to refine the internal mechanics to ensure the device could withstand daily use in extreme temperatures.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“The pilot will be used to refine an England-wide AI skills scheme due to roll out next summer.” “For example, Twitch said a person's audio might be used to "refine models that create speech to text".” Etymology
From re- + fine.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/refine