polished

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "polished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a product or object that has been made to look smooth and attractive. For example, "The stretched canvas was polished to a glossy sheen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reference was probably a stretch, because who knows what the details were of the team's thinking (though, judging by the fact they polished off Detroit a couple of days ago, it hardly looks like any of it was harmful), but that kind of statistical analysis might be worth paying attention to.

The Guardian - Sport

Below-zero temperatures crowned the top of the US from Idaho to Minnesota, where many roads still had an inch-thick plate of ice, polished smooth by traffic and impervious to ice-melting chemicals.

The Guardian

It is understood Farah underwent three days of media training to prepare to face the press and the consensus was that he looked passionate and polished.

The Guardian - Sport

Now and then, however, a student will submit a piece of beautifully polished and referenced work that is clearly at odds with evidence from our day-to-day interactions.

The Guardian

In a cradle hanging from the roof, they soaped, swiped and polished, moving slowly up and down just a few feet away.

The Guardian

Despite loving them, I have never once polished or protected them, because I can't be bothered and I know I can go out tomorrow and buy a new pair.

The Guardian

Some mutter that she could yet have to answer to charges of perjury arising from the sale of Mr Thaksin's telecoms company five years ago, but that will have to wait until after July 3rd.In contrast to the smiley-feely Ms Yingluck, Mr Abhisit and his deputy and finance minister, Korn Chatikavanij, are both Oxford-educated technocrats, less polished at working a crowd.

The Economist

Although distrusted by many in the party as a Blairite ultra, Mr Milburn is a tough character with a polished style designed to go down well with voters.Among uncommitted Labour MPs there also lurks the fear that Mr Brown's tricky personality, enjoyably exposed by Derek Scott, the prime minister's former economic adviser, in a new book, "Off Whitehall", might not translate well to Number 10.

The Economist

This was a huge polished marble bunker that displays every single gift ever given to both the late Great Leader and his son Kim Jong-il, the Dear Leader, the country's current head.

The Guardian - Travel

They argue he is more polished, respected and mature.

The Guardian

Although James insists he was "really helpful" following West's enquiries, offering to send a polished version of the Avril 14th sample, "re-played" at a different speed, the MC's camp was reportedly nothing but rude.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "polished" to describe surfaces, skills, or performances that have been refined to a high degree of quality and finish.

Common error

Avoid using "polished" excessively in casual conversation; more informal terms like "nice" or "great" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "polished" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a quality of smoothness, shininess, or refinement, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples like "polished shoes" or "a polished performance".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "polished" functions primarily as an adjective indicating smoothness, refinement, or shininess. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. It is frequently used in News & Media, Travel, and Sport to describe both physical objects and abstract qualities like performances or diplomatic skills. When writing, remember that while versatile, "polished" is best suited for neutral to formal registers, and overuse in casual contexts should be avoided. Related terms include "refined", "smooth", and "gleaming", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific attribute you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refined

Emphasizes improvement and sophistication.

smooth

Focuses on the absence of imperfections.

gleaming

Highlights the shine and luster.

burnished

Suggests a deep, rich shine achieved through rubbing.

refined and elegant

Combines sophistication with gracefulness.

well-honed

Implies that something is perfectly developed or improved.

slick

Can suggest smoothness but sometimes with a negative connotation of superficiality.

flawless

Emphasizes the absence of any defects.

superior

Highlights higher quality compared to others.

state-of-the-art

Indicates the most advanced or up-to-date version.

FAQs

How can I use "polished" in a sentence?

You can use "polished" to describe something that has been made smooth and shiny by rubbing, such as "polished shoes", or something refined and elegant, such as "a "polished performance"".

What are some synonyms for "polished"?

Alternatives to "polished" include "refined", "smooth", or "gleaming", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "polished" to describe a person's personality?

Yes, "polished" can describe a person's personality or demeanor, suggesting they are refined, sophisticated, and well-mannered. For instance, "a "polished diplomat"".

What's the difference between "polished" and "refined"?

"Polished" typically refers to a smooth or shiny surface or manner, while "refined" suggests a higher level of culture, taste, or moral improvement. Both imply a level of improvement or sophistication, but "refined" often carries a stronger connotation of inner quality.