refined
adj. · n.-
1 purified (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sciencemade pure by removing unwanted parts, like sugar, oil, or metal.
processed to remove impurities or unwanted elements, typically in an industrial or chemical context.
ExampleYou should try to eat less refined sugar and more whole foods.
ExampleThe facility specializes in processing refined petroleum products for export to international markets.
UsageOften used to describe food, minerals, or fuels.
-
2 elegant and polite (adj.) C1 Advanced Formalhaving or showing very good manners, taste, and education.
exhibiting high levels of social cultivation, taste, and polished manners.
ExampleShe had a very refined way of speaking that made her sound very professional.
ExampleHis refined aesthetic sense was evident in the minimalist yet luxurious decor of his city apartment.
UsageDescribes people, manners, or tastes.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 improved or precise (adj.) C1 Advanced Academicimproved by making small changes to make something more effective or exact.
developed or improved so as to be precise or elegant in function or logic.
ExampleThe engineers used a refined method to test the car's safety.
ExampleAfter years of research, the team presented a refined theory that accounted for the previously unexplained data.
UsageCommonly used in technical or academic writing to describe methods or theories.
- rough
- unpolished
-
4 a purified commodity (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencethe pure form of a product, like sugar or oil, after it has been processed.
the purified form of a commodity as distinguished from its raw state.
ExampleThe price of the refined is much higher than the raw material.
ExampleTraders watched the market closely as the gap between the price of crude and the refined widened significantly.
UsageUsed primarily in industrial or trade contexts.