refinement — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The act, or the result of refining; the removal of impurities, or a purified material

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

2. High-class style; cultivation.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

3. A fine or subtle distinction.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

4. A luxury.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   There was no bathroom in the cabin. Such refinements don't exist in the woods, apparently.

5. Synonym of grooming (“review and prioritization process”).

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality

   Synonyms

   polishculturecultivationfinish

   Broader terms

   perfectionflawlessnessne plus ultra

   Examples

   they performed with great polish

   I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose

2. the result of improving something

   Synonyms

   elaboration

   Broader terms

   improvementbettermentadvance

   Examples

   he described a refinement of this technique

3. the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)

   Synonyms

   refiningpurification

   Broader terms

   processing

4. a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

   Synonyms

   nuancenicetyshadesubtlety

   Broader terms

   meaningsignificancesignificationimport

   Examples

   without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor

   don't argue about shades of meaning

5. the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste

   Synonyms

   civilizationcivilisation

   Broader terms

   excellence

   Examples

   a man of intellectual refinement

   he is remembered for his generosity and civilization