How to pronounce refinement
Say it like ruh-FYNE-munt. Refinement has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FYNE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce refinement. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ruh
- FYNE
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Refinement pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FYNESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of refinement
American and British speakers say refinement in essentially the same way: /rəˈfaɪnmənt/ in the US and /rəˈfaɪnmənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ruh-FYNE-munt.
What does refinement mean?
- The act, or the result of refining; the removal of impurities, or a purified material
- High-class style; cultivation.
- A fine or subtle distinction.
Where does refinement come from?
From refine + -ment.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with refinement
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of refinement.
Questions about saying refinement
How do you pronounce refinement?
Say ruh-FYNE-munt. The American pronunciation is /rəˈfaɪnmənt/. In British English it is /rəˈfaɪnmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in refinement?
Refinement has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FYNE). Broken into parts: ruh · FYNE · munt.
Do Americans and Brits say refinement the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rəˈfaɪnmənt/ and the British form is /rəˈfaɪnmənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.