What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refined
Example
The chef's refined palate allowed him to create a delicious dish. [refined: adjective]
Example
She spoke with a refined accent that showed her upbringing. [refined: adjective]
Example
The refined sugar was used to make the dessert. [refined: adjective]
sophisticated
Example
The software had a sophisticated algorithm that could predict user behavior. [sophisticated: adjective]
Example
He was a sophisticated traveler who had been to many countries. [sophisticated: adjective]
Example
The sophisticated dress she wore to the party turned heads. [sophisticated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sophisticated is more commonly used than refined in everyday language. Sophisticated is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while refined is less common and refers to a specific type of improvement or elegance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between refined and sophisticated?
Both refined and sophisticated can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, sophisticated is often associated with a more formal tone, while refined is associated with a more polite and elegant tone.
