Synonyms: refinement, civilisation, civilization
Definition: the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
Usage: a man of intellectual refinement; he is remembered for his generosity and civilization
Similar words: excellence
Definition: the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree
Synonyms: refinement, shade, subtlety, nuance, nicety
Definition: a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
Usage: without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor; don't argue about shades of meaning
Similar words: significance, signification, meaning, import
Definition: the message that is intended or expressed or signified
Usage: what is the meaning of this sentence; the significance of a red traffic light; the signification of Chinese characters; the import of his announcement was ambiguous
Synonyms: refinement, elaboration
Definition: the result of improving something
Usage: he described a refinement of this technique
Similar words: betterment, advance, improvement
Definition: a change for the better; progress in development
Synonyms: refinement, refining, purification
Definition: the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
Similar words: processing
Definition: preparing or putting through a prescribed procedure
Usage: the processing of newly arrived immigrants; the processing of ore to obtain minerals
Synonyms: cultivation, culture, finish, refinement, polish
Definition: a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
Usage: 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
Similar words: ne plus ultra, perfection, flawlessness
Definition: the state of being without a flaw or defect