refinement

Meanings

• a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality; ; ; --Joseph Conrad
  • "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"
• the result of improving something
  • "he described a refinement of this technique"
• the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
• a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
• the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
  • "a man of intellectual refinement"

Synonyms

civilisation, civilization, cultivation, culture, elaboration, finish, nicety, nuance, polish, purification, refining, shade, subtlety