OpenEtymology

refine

UKrɪˈfaɪnUSrɪˈfaɪn

Meaning

1vt.

精炼;提纯(如金属、糖)

2vt.

改进,完善(如方法、设计)

3vi.

变得优雅或精确

Usage

The factory uses advanced technology to **refine** crude oil into gasoline.

工厂用先进技术将原油精炼成汽油。

She continues to **refine** her presentation skills through practice.

她通过练习不断完善自己的演讲技巧。

Over time, his taste in art **refined** significantly.

随着时间的推移,他的艺术品味变得极为高雅。

Etymology

16世纪借自法语 affiner(提纯),由 re-(强化动作)与 fine(纯净)组合而成。最初指物理提纯(如金属),后隐喻为“使方法或行为更精确”,体现从具体到抽象的语义演变。

Refine Meaning, Examples & Word Origin | OpenEtymology