Refine — synonyms, definition

1. refine (Verb)

adjust advance align ameliorate amend animate better chasten cheer civilise civilize clarify clean cleanse complicate correct cultivate decontaminate dignify disinfect • • •

refine (Verb) — Improve or perfect by pruning or polishing. ex. "refine one's style of writing"

refine (Verb) — Make more complex, intricate, or rich. ex. "refine a design or pattern"

refine (Verb) — Treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition. ex. "refine paper stock" ex. "refine pig iron" ex. "refine oil"

refine (Verb) — Reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities. ex. "refine sugar"

refine (Verb) — Attenuate or reduce in vigour, strength, or validity by polishing or purifying. ex. "many valuable nutrients are refined out of the foods in our modern diet"

refine (Verb) — Make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of. ex. "refine a method of analysis" ex. "refine the constant in the equation"

alter ameliorate amend attenuate better change distil distill improve make pure meliorate mend modify process purify sublimate treat civilise civilize cultivate develop educate involve over-refine overrefine school sophisticate train