refinement

Noun

• the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
  • a man of intellectual refinement
    
  • he is remembered for his generosity and civilization
    

• a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
  • without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor
    
  • don't argue about shades of meaning
    

• the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)

• the result of improving something
  • he described a refinement of this technique
    

• a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
  • they performed with great polish
    
  • I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose
    
  • almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art--Joseph Conrad
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  civilization , civilisation , nuance , nicety , shade , subtlety , refining , purification , elaboration , polish , culture , cultivation , finish