noun |
adj |
verb |
adv |
(noun) civilisation, civilization
the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
a man of intellectual refinement; he is remembered for his generosity and civilization
(noun) shade, subtlety, nuance, nicety
a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor; don't argue about shades of meaning
(noun) elaboration
the result of improving something
he described a refinement of this technique
(noun) refining, purification
the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
(noun) cultivation, culture, finish, polish
a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
they performed with great polish; I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose; almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art--Joseph Conrad