a refined understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a refined understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a deep or sophisticated comprehension of a subject or concept. Example: "After years of study and experience, she developed a refined understanding of the complexities of human behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Drawing on the new data, this paper provides a refined understanding of the medieval tradition, including an improved stemma.

Princeton University

Our study provides a refined understanding of HIV-1 and CD8+ T cell co-adaptation at the population level.

Cell Reports

One should be reminded that in this MG test we are limited in terms of measured endpoints to survival and reproduction, hence a refined understanding is limited.

Nature

Vale, the Brazilian mining company, has generally organized itself well in its investments in Mozambique, making an enormous effort to develop a refined understanding of that country.

Harvard Business Review

The new Latin text is based on a refined understanding of the medieval tradition and improves on Willis's standard edition in nearly 300 places.

Harvard University

This study supports the view that a contextual approach to examining learner beliefs affords a refined understanding of beliefs through an emic perspective.

System

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A more refined understanding of the various phenotypic expressions of a gene related to schizophrenia would enhance the power of studies designed to detect a genetic linkage with a major chromosomal locus and would benefit other strategies for understanding the etiology of schizophrenia.

Duke University

It is also essential that funders and policy-makers develop a more refined understanding of the complexities of living in a remote Indigenous community.

BMC Health Services Research

Recently, we have been able to provide a more refined understanding of the function of Nkx2-1, which appears to be a central regulator of MGE-derived interneurons, by showing its temporal requirement in this specification process (Butt et al. 2008).

Cerebral Cortex

A more refined understanding of the biology of hESCs has contributed the development of a defined medium utilizing ligands for IGF1R and ERBB2/3 receptors to promote in self-renewal (TCS and AJR, submitted).

BMC Genomics

Deep, obsessive love begets connoisseurship, and a more refined understanding is sought.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a refined understanding" to highlight a developed and nuanced grasp of a complex subject, showing deeper insight beyond superficial knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "a refined understanding" when describing simple concepts. Reserve it for situations where genuine depth and complexity are involved to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a refined understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes a state of comprehension that is advanced, nuanced, and thoroughly developed. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a refined understanding" is a noun phrase denoting a high level of expertise and nuanced comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in scientific, academic, and news contexts. To ensure appropriate usage, reserve it for scenarios that truly involve complexity and avoid overstating the depth of knowledge. Alternatives such as "a sophisticated comprehension" or "a nuanced appreciation" can be considered for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sophisticated comprehension

Emphasizes the complexity and depth of understanding.

a nuanced appreciation

Highlights a subtle and detailed understanding, focusing on subtleties.

a deeper insight

Suggests a more profound and penetrating understanding.

an enhanced awareness

Focuses on an improved state of being conscious or informed.

a comprehensive grasp

Indicates a thorough and complete understanding.

a clear perception

Implies an unambiguous and distinct understanding.

a heightened sensitivity

Stresses an increased awareness and responsiveness to details.

a sharper discernment

Highlights the ability to distinguish subtle differences and make accurate judgments.

an evolved perspective

Suggests a changed viewpoint as a result of enhanced understanding.

an enlightened outlook

Indicates an understanding that brings increased knowledge or insight.

FAQs

How can I use "a refined understanding" in a sentence?

Use "a refined understanding" to describe a situation where someone has a deep and nuanced comprehension of a subject, such as, "Through years of research, she developed "a refined understanding" of quantum physics."

What can I say instead of "a refined understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "a sophisticated comprehension", "a nuanced appreciation", or "a deeper insight" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a refined understanding" in informal writing?

While "a refined understanding" is generally suitable for formal and professional contexts, it can be used in informal writing if you aim to convey a sense of expertise or in-depth knowledge, such as when discussing a hobby or area of personal interest.

What's the difference between "a basic understanding" and "a refined understanding"?

"A basic understanding" implies a fundamental grasp of a subject, while ""a refined understanding"" suggests a more detailed, nuanced, and sophisticated comprehension, often acquired through extensive study or experience.