smoothness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smoothness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being smooth, often in contexts related to texture, movement, or performance. Example: "The smoothness of the fabric made it a pleasure to wear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His use of the airbrush soon became integral to his art, bringing a slick smoothness to images which oscillated between the grisly and the sensuous, often accommodating both.

The Guardian - Film

He said of Caffe Nero: "You can taste a rich smoothness you'd expect of a Central American coffee with an edge of spiciness indicative of an African coffee".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bogányi explained that this smoothness is down to his use of the modifications first suggested, but never widely used, by the 19th-century Hungarian piano maker Lajos Beregszászy.

The Guardian - Music

In contrast, to attain pancake perfection, you need only follow a few simple rules: Smoothness: In order to guarantee an even distribution of ingredients, first spread your flat pancake with your filling, almost to its edges.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For in spite of the smoothness of the succession, Mr Abbas is weak.

The Economist

The one large European country where unemployment has fallen substantially Britain has junked any attempt at consensus: successive Conservative governments have stripped away the powers of trade unions, while managers' performance is measured by the stockmarket not by the smoothness of negotiations with workers or politicians.

The Economist

So far the company has put the pieces of the Master Plan in place with an almost eerie smoothness, even continuing its orderly growth during the recession of the early 1990s.

The Economist

Meanwhile, his minister for European affairs, Pierre Moscovici, says, with a no-less-fuzzy smoothness, that, though "federalism is not the solution for Europe", nonetheless "federalism or elements of federalism already exist in Europe", for example, the European Central Bank and the European Court of Justice.This hardly clarifies matters.

The Economist

Smoothness is good in quiet times though clearly not when governments face an urgent need for spending, such as in wartime or in a period when tax collection would be particularly painful, such as during a prolonged slump.

The Economist

Mr Erwin could emerge in Seattle as a powerful campaigner for a new drive to liberalise world farm trade.The speed and smoothness of the revolution have made South Africa's achievement doubly remarkable.

The Economist

Much of the credit for the smoothness of the election belongs to America's ambassador to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who forcefully persuaded the losers not to dispute the result.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a texture, consider the scale of the "smoothness". Is it on a microscopic level, or visible to the naked eye? This can significantly alter the impact of your description.

Common error

Avoid using "smoothness" excessively in technical descriptions where more precise terms like 'low surface roughness' or 'minimal friction coefficient' would provide greater clarity and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "smoothness" primarily functions as a descriptor of a quality or state characterized by the absence of irregularities, friction, or disruption. It is often used to describe physical textures, processes, or even interpersonal interactions. According to Ludwig AI, the term is generally perceived as correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smoothness" is a versatile noun denoting the quality of being free from irregularities or disruptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including describing textures, processes, and interactions. While its register is generally neutral, more precise terms might be preferred in technical writing. Common related phrases include "evenness", "fluency", and "sleekness", each with slightly different connotations. The term's high frequency and broad applicability underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evenness

Focuses on the uniformity of a surface or process, rather than the absence of friction or obstruction.

fluency

Relates to the ease and grace of movement or expression, often implying a lack of interruption or difficulty.

sleekness

Emphasizes a stylish and streamlined quality, often associated with modern design or appearance.

polish

Highlights the refined and sophisticated nature of something, achieved through careful attention to detail.

glide

Describes a smooth and effortless movement, often in the context of physical motion.

refinement

Suggests a state of being purified or improved, removing imperfections and enhancing quality.

grace

Implies elegance and poise, often associated with skillful execution or artistic expression.

ease

Focuses on the lack of difficulty or effort involved in a task or process.

regularity

Highlights the consistent and predictable nature of something, often implying a lack of variation or disruption.

uniformity

Emphasizes the consistent and unchanging nature of something, often referring to visual or structural aspects.

FAQs

How can I describe something similar to "smoothness"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "evenness", "fluency", or "sleekness". Each carries slightly different connotations.

Is "smoothness" a formal or informal term?

"Smoothness" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or scientific writing, more precise terminology might be preferred.

What is the opposite of "smoothness"?

The antonym of "smoothness" is "roughness", indicating a surface with irregularities or a lack of evenness.

How does the context affect the meaning of "smoothness"?

The context greatly influences the interpretation of "smoothness". In culinary contexts, it might refer to the texture of a sauce, while in engineering, it could describe the surface finish of a component. In political discourse it can reference "eloquence", "blandness", "suavity" and "suaveness".