What is the Latin word for refinement?

The usual Latin words for “refinement” are pŏlītĭo, expolītiō, hūmānitās; also colō, vīta. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“refinement” in Latin

pŏlītĭoa smoothing expolītiōpolishing, finishing; adorning, embellishing (of speech)hūmānitāshumaneness, humane conduct, philanthropy, benevolence, kindliness; courtesy, politeness, good manners, social grace; ref colōto cultivate the land, till, tend, take care of a field or garden; to inhabit; to frequent, be the guardian of, cherish,vītalife; living, support, subsistence; a way of life

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

refinement

Act of refining, by the verbs. Figuratively, politio: expolitio.

Refined manners, humanitas: politior humanitas: cultus (vitae).

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for refinement?: The usual Latin words for “refinement” are pŏlītĭo, expolītiō, hūmānitās; also colō, vīta. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.