Wordiyofine
LatinVariants
Related Roots
About This Root
From Latin fīnīre (to end, finish), via the sense of "bringing to completion" which evolved into "made pure, refined." In English, fine means both "of high quality" and "a monetary penalty" (payment that ends a dispute). Refine and refinement (to make finer), refinery (a place for purification), and finery (elegant clothes) all stem from this "purified to perfection" sense.
Associated Words
fine
in good health or condition; a monetary penalty; thin or delicate
finely
Into very small pieces; in an elegant or skillful manner
finery
Showy or elaborate clothes and accessories
refine
To purify a substance; to improve or perfect something
refinement
The process of purifying or improving; polished elegance in manners or taste
refinery
An industrial plant for purifying raw materials such as oil or sugar