Words / C1

ri-FYN/rɪˈfaɪn/

To refine is to improve by small, careful adjustments, not by starting again. Native writers refine a question, refine a method, refine a draft. Improve is broader; polish is close for style; revise can be larger. Refined as an adjective can also mean elegant (a refined taste). Refinement is the noun.

Meaning

To improve something by making small changes.

Examples

• “He refined the essay before submitting it.”
• “They refined the rubric after the first marking trial.”
• “One more example would refine the definition.”

Good to know

refine = improve in small steps. broader: improve. larger: revise. Noun: refinement.

Near in meaning

polish

New