refinement
UK[rɪˈfaɪnmənt]US[rɪˈfaɪnmənt]
n
the process of making a substance purer or of improving something
n
a small change that improves something
n
the quality of being polite, well-educated, and able to judge the quality of things; the quality of being refined
Morpheme Breakdown
refine
ment
refine
to make fine again
ment
Etymology
the word "refinement" is built upon the verb "refine," which entered english in the late 16th century from the french 'raffiner,' meaning to make pure. this french term itself derives from the latin elements 're-' (again) and 'finis' (end, boundary), with the latter evolving to imply 'fine' or 'pure' in the sense of reaching a finished, perfected state. the suffix "-ment," of latin origin, was added to form a noun denoting the action, process, or result of refining. thus, the literal journey of the morphemes conveys the idea of "the process of making fine again," which evolved into the modern abstract meanings of purification, improvement, and cultivated elegance.
Analysis
Structure: refine + ment
refine (from latin 're-' + 'finire', meaning 'to make fine again'); ment (from latin '-mentum', a suffix forming nouns indicating an action, process, or result)
Examples
the refinement of crude oil is a complex industrial process.
the latest model includes several design refinements for better fuel efficiency.
she was admired for her intelligence and refinement.