What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
polished
Example
The marble floor was polished to a high shine. [polished: adjective]
Example
She has a polished way of speaking that impresses everyone. [polished: adjective]
Example
He has polished his guitar playing skills over the years. [polished: verb]
smooth
Example
The baby's skin was soft and smooth to the touch. [smooth: adjective]
Example
The car ride was so smooth that I fell asleep. [smooth: adjective]
Example
She handled the crisis with a smooth and steady hand. [smooth: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smooth is more commonly used than polished in everyday language. Smooth is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while polished is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between polished and smooth?
Polished is typically associated with a formal and sophisticated tone, while smooth can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider variety of situations.
