French Conversation · Level 62
76 words
French word
raffiné
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁafine/
Meaning
- adjectiveelegant
Example
Elle a un style raffiné.
She has an elegant style.
More examples
Il a un goût raffiné.
He has a refined taste.
Core concept
A quietly polished whole in which fine details and balanced choices matter more than display.
Common phrases
un goût raffiné
a refined taste
un style raffiné
a refined style
un parfum raffiné
a refined fragrance
Similar words
élégant: Neat and polished in appearance, giving a sophisticated impression.
chic: Fashionably dressed and stylish in a confident, appealing way.
distingué: Courteous and dignified, conveying social grace and good breeding.
sobre: Simple and restrained in style, with a calm, composed look.
Definition in French
Se dit de ce qui montre une élégance discrète et une finesse dans le goût, le style ou le comportement.
Word origin
French raffiner supplied raffiné as its past participle, with the verb borrowed through Italian raffinare from Latin refinare, 'to refine'.
Usage tips
- For a person, raffiné praises manners or taste, so it does not by itself mean wealthy or expensive.