adj
Uncommon
polished
PO-lihsht
Polished (adj) means Made smooth and shiny through polishing. Example: “The floor was so polished you could see your reflection in it.”
adj
1
Made smooth and shiny through polishing.
"The floor was so polished you could see your reflection in it."
"He admired the polished brass handles on the front door of the old hotel."
"She wore polished shoes that gleamed under the bright hall lights."
2
Refined and skillful, especially in performance or manner.
"She gave a polished performance despite the last-minute nerves."
"The young lawyer made a polished presentation that impressed everyone in the room."
"He is a polished speaker who never seems to stumble over his words."
How to use polished
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMade shiny through polishing, or smoothly skillful and refined.
Common pairings
polished performance
highly polished
polished surface
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more polished
- Superlative
- most polished
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The floor was so _____ you could see your reflection in it.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for polished
fished
famished
vanished
punished
finished
banished
cherished
furnished
published
nourished
anguished
tarnished
See all rhymes for polished →
Frequently asked questions
What does “polished” mean?
The word “polished” means made smooth and shiny through polishing. In plain terms, made shiny through polishing, or smoothly skillful and refined.
How do you pronounce “polished”?
“Polished” is pronounced PO-lihsht (/ˈpɑlɪʃt/ in IPA).
How do you use “polished” in a sentence?
Here is “polished” used in a sentence: “The floor was so polished you could see your reflection in it.”
What part of speech is “polished”?
“Polished” is an adjective.
Is “polished” a common word?
“Polished” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “polished” have?
“Polished” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made smooth and shiny through polishing.
What is the difference between polished and shiny?
Polished specifically describes something made smooth and shiny through the act of polishing, implying deliberate effort, while shiny simply describes a reflective appearance regardless of cause. Something can be shiny without being polished, such as a naturally glossy surface.
What is the difference between polished and refined when describing a performance?
When describing a performance or manner, polished suggests a high level of skill and smoothness achieved through practice, similar to refined. Both imply careful development, but polished often emphasizes the finished, professional quality of the result.
Can polished be used to describe a person's manner rather than an object?
Yes, polished commonly describes a person's skill or manner as refined and accomplished, especially in performance, speech, or presentation, not just physical objects made smooth and shiny.
