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smooth

adj. · v.
US //ˈsmuð// UK //smˈuːð// smooth
  1. 1 surface texture (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having a surface that is perfectly even and not rough.

    having an even and regular surface or consistency; free from perceptible projections, lumps, or indentations.

    Example

    The marble floor was so smooth that the children could slide across it in their socks.

    Example

    The craftsman sanded the wood until the surface was perfectly smooth, ensuring that the finish would adhere evenly without any visible grain.
  2. 2 without problems (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    happening without any difficulties, delays, or sudden changes.

    characterised by an absence of difficulties, obstacles, or interruptions; proceeding at an even pace.

    Example

    The transition to the new office was very smooth and everyone was working by noon.

    Example

    Despite initial concerns regarding the merger, the integration of the two departments was remarkably smooth, largely due to meticulous advance planning.
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  1. 3 charming/suave (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    polite and confident in a way that is very attractive, though sometimes it feels a bit fake.

    possessing a confident, polite, and charming manner; often carries a secondary nuance of being suspiciously glib or superficial.

    Example

    He is a smooth talker who can convince anyone to agree with his ideas.

    Example

    The salesman’s smooth delivery and polished appearance initially impressed the clients, though they later questioned the substance of his promises.
  2. 4 liquid or taste (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    having a pleasant taste or texture that is not sharp, bitter, or lumpy.

    having a pleasantly rounded flavour or a consistent, non-grainy texture; lacking astringency or harshness.

    Example

    This soup is very smooth and creamy because I used a blender.

    Example

    The wine was noted for its smooth finish, lacking the sharp acidity often found in younger vintages from that region.
  3. 5 mathematical functions (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    describing a line or curve that changes gently without any sharp corners.

    referring to a function that has continuous derivatives of all orders; colloquially, a curve without cusps or breaks.

    Example

    The graph shows a smooth curve representing the steady growth of the company.

    Example

    For the purposes of this model, we assume a smooth transition between the two states to simplify the differential equations.
  4. 6 to make even (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move your hand or a tool over something to make it flat or tidy.

    to make a surface even or regular; to remove wrinkles, bubbles, or irregularities through pressure or friction.

    Example

    She tried to smooth the wrinkles in her dress before the interview started.

    Example

    The wallpaper installer used a plastic tool to smooth out the air bubbles, ensuring the pattern aligned perfectly across the seam.

    Usage

    Often used with the particle 'out'.
  5. 7 to ease a situation (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make a situation easier or to reduce problems between people.

    to facilitate a process or to alleviate tension in a social or professional situation.

    Example

    The manager had to smooth things over after the two employees had a loud argument.

    Example

    The diplomat worked tirelessly to smooth the way for the upcoming peace negotiations, addressing minor grievances before the main summit began.

    Usage

    Commonly appears in the phrase 'smooth the way' or 'smooth things over'.
Origin

From Middle English smothe, smethe, from Old English smēþe, smōþ, both from Proto-West Germanic *smanþī, of unknown origin. Cognate with Scots smuith (“smooth”), Saterland Frisian smoud (“smooth”), Low German smood and smödig (“smooth, malleable, ductile”), Dutch smeuïg (“smooth”) (from earlier smeudig).

Word family
Idioms4 entries

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