refine
UK[rɪˈfaɪn]US[rɪˈfaɪn]
v
to remove impurities or unwanted elements from a substance
v
to improve something by making small changes
Morpheme Breakdown
re
fine
re
again
fine
pure
Etymology
the word 'refine' entered english in the late 16th century, from the french 'raffiner', which was based on the latin elements 're-' (expressing intensive force) and 'finis' (end, boundary). the core concept stems from the latin 'finire', meaning 'to finish', which evolved to signify bringing something to a pure, perfected, or finished state. the literal sense of removing dross from metals to achieve purity logically extended to the abstract meaning of improving anything through careful revision and subtle enhancements.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + fine (pure)
re- (Latin prefix meaning 'again' or 'back'), fine (from Latin 'finire' meaning 'to finish', and by extension, to make pure or perfect).
Examples
the process is used to refine crude oil into various fuels.
she continued to refine her technique after years of practice.
the author took another month to refine the final draft of the manuscript.