What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smooth
Example
The baby's skin was so smooth and soft. [smooth: adjective]
Example
I need to smooth out the wrinkles in this shirt. [smooth: verb]
Example
The project went smoothly without any major issues. [smoothly: adverb]
polish
Example
The silverware had a beautiful polish to it. [polish: noun]
Example
I need to polish my shoes before the job interview. [polish: verb]
Example
She has really polished her public speaking skills over the years. [polished: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smooth is more commonly used than polish in everyday language. Smooth is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while polish is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between smooth and polish?
While both smooth and polish can be used in formal and informal contexts, polish is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its connotations of sophistication and refinement.