superfine

C1 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˌsuːpərˈfaɪn/ UK /ˌsuːpəˈfaɪn/ See IPA manual

Freq #114416

Meanings

1

adj
of exceptionally high quality or fineness, especially as a grade of cloth or another commodity

The tailor reserved the superfine wool for his most expensive coats.
2

adj
extremely fine in size, texture, or grain

The recipe calls for superfine sugar because its small crystals dissolve quickly.
3

adj
excessively subtle, delicate, or refined

The argument depended on a superfine distinction that few readers found persuasive.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · of exceptionally high... premium superiorextra-fine

2 adj · extremely fine in size,... ultrafineextra-fine

3 adj · excessively subtle,... overrefinedoversubtle

Opposites

coarse inferior crude

Word family

Derived forms superfinelysuperfineness

Related forms fineultrafinerefinement

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

superfine sugar
sugar with very small fine crystals

Adjective + noun

Etymology

Formed from super- ('above, beyond') + fine. It first marked an exceptionally high commercial grade and later broadened to anything extremely fine or excessively refined.

Topics

Describing Qualities

External links

# superfine

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** adj
**IPA (US):** /ˌsuːpərˈfaɪn/
**IPA (UK):** /ˌsuːpəˈfaɪn/
**Frequency rank:** 114416

## Meanings
1. of exceptionally high quality or fineness, especially as a grade of cloth or another commodity
2. extremely fine in size, texture, or grain
3. excessively subtle, delicate, or refined

## Examples
- The tailor reserved the superfine wool for his most expensive coats.
- The recipe calls for superfine sugar because its small crystals dissolve quickly.
- The argument depended on a superfine distinction that few readers found persuasive.

## Synonyms
- premium
- superior
- extra-fine
- ultrafine
- overrefined

## Antonyms
- coarse
- inferior
- crude

## Derived Forms
- superfinely
- superfineness

## Related Forms
- fine
- ultrafine
- refinement

## Etymology
Formed from super- ('above, beyond') + fine. It first marked an exceptionally high commercial grade and later broadened to anything extremely fine or excessively refined.

## Topics
- Describing Qualities

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