refined etymology

Etymology

The word "refined" originates from the Old French word "rafiner," which means "to polish or make smooth." It is derived from the Latin word "reficere," meaning "to make again" or "to restore."

Meaning

The primary meaning of "refined" is to have a high degree of polish or sophistication, typically in terms of manners, culture, or taste. It can also refer to the process of removing impurities or undesirable elements from a substance.

Origin

The concept of refinement has its roots in ancient Greece, where it was closely associated with the idea of virtue and excellence. The Greeks believed that a refined person was one who possessed a harmonious balance of intellectual, physical, and moral qualities.

In the Renaissance, the concept of refinement was further developed and became synonymous with the ideals of humanism. Humanists believed that education and culture were essential for the development of a refined and virtuous person.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the notion of refinement became increasingly associated with social class and etiquette. Refined individuals were expected to adhere to certain norms and standards of behavior that set them apart from those who were considered unrefined or vulgar.

Usage

Today, the word "refined" is often used to describe someone who has a high level of social and cultural sophistication. It can also be used to describe something that has been processed or purified to remove impurities.

Examples

• "She has a refined manner that sets her apart from others."
• "The refined sugar has a much sweeter taste than the raw sugar."
• "The refined oil is free from harmful chemicals."

refined relate terms

• refine

  Etymology Origin Old French raffiner derived from the Late Latin raffinare meaning

• fine

  Etymology The word fine comes from the Latin word finis meaning boundary or end

• refined

  Etymology The word refined originates from the Old French word rafiner which means

• elegant

  Etymology The word elegant originates from the Latin word eligere meaning to choos

• urbane

  Etymology The word urbane originates from the Latin word urbanus meaning of or belo

• polite

  Etymology French poli polished refined Latin politus polished refined Pr

• Prakrit

  Etymology The word Prakrit is derived from the Sanskrit word prakṛti which means

• gilded

  Etymology The word gilded comes from the Old English gyldan meaning to cover or ov

• spiritualist

  Etymology of Spiritualist The term spiritualist derives from the Latin word spiritus

• sublimate

  Etymology From Latin sublimāre from sub under līmāre to file polish M

• purify

  Etymology Latin purus pure Sanskrit pu to cleanse Meaning To make or bec

• civilize

  Etymology Middle English civiles from Latin civilis pertaining to a citizen from c

• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words