refinement Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
culture; polish; cultivation; finish.
- 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
noun the result of improving something
elaboration.
- he described a refinement of this technique
noun the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
refining; purification.
noun a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
nicety; subtlety; nuance; shade.
- without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor
- don't argue about shades of meaning
noun the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
civilization; civilisation.
- a man of intellectual refinement
- he is remembered for his generosity and civilization

Cf. F. raffinement.

The act of refining, or the state of being refined; as, the refinement or metals; refinement of ideas.
The more bodies are of kin to spirit in subtilty and refinement, the more diffusive are they. Norris.

From the civil war to this time, I doubt whether the corruptions in our language have not equaled its refinements. Swift.
That which is refined, elaborated, or polished to excess; an affected subtilty; as, refinements of logic. "The refinements of irregular cunning." Rogers. Syn. -- Purification; polish; politeness; gentility; elegance; cultivation; civilization.