Raffiné
[ra-fih-NEY]
Part of speech: adjective
Origin: French, 19th century
1.
Refined, sophisticated.
Examples of Raffiné in a sentence
"My favorite scene in the movie is when the crowd in the ballroom pauses to watch as the raffiné woman glides down the staircase."
"At the party, I tried to think of worldly anecdotes that would make me seem raffiné."
About Raffiné
“Raffiné” is taken from the French, where it literally means “refined” (in all senses), but also “sophisticated.”
Did you Know?
When we use the word “raffiné” to describe someone or something extremely sophisticated, we’re reflecting a part of the history of the world economy. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the fashion industry became central to the French economy. France, therefore, had reason to remain on the cutting edge of style; its national economy depended on it. England and other countries looked to France for cues on how to be stylish, cultured, and refined, not only in modes of dress, but in language as well. Many loanwords, such as “raffiné,” remain in use.
