Main entry: 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
Main entry: 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
Main entry: refinement, elaboration
Definition: the result of improving something
Usage: he described a refinement of this technique
Main entry: refinement, refining, purification
Definition: the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
Main entry: 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