refine
Translation
to refine, to improve, to purify
Examples
The company refines crude oil into gasoline.
The company refines crude oil into petrol.
She worked to refine her writing style.
She worked to refine her writing style.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to improve (sth.) by making small changes She worked to refine her writing style.
((sth.)) ((into sth.)) to remove impurities from (sth.) The company refines crude oil into gasoline.
Similar Words
improve, purify, perfect; Antonyms: coarsen, contaminate
Etymology
From Old French 'raffiner', from 're-' + 'affiner' (to make fine). The idea is to make something more fine or pure.
Memory Tips
Think of making something 'fine' or better. Refining oil makes it pure; refining a skill makes it better.