Smooth Meaning
/smuːð/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjHaving a texture that lacks friction. Not rough.
adjWithout difficulty, problems, or unexpected consequences or incidents.
Sentence Examples
The sea was as smooth as glass.
The sea looks calm and smooth.
The smooth surface of the metal
CEFR Practice Quiz
After sanding the wood for hours with fine-grit paper, the surface became very ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The surface of the lake was perfectly ____, reflecting the mountains like a giant mirror.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Old English smōþ Middle English smothe Proto-West Germanic *smanþī Old English smēþe Middle English smethe English smooth From Middle English smothe, smethe, from Old English smēþe, smōþ, both from Proto-West Germanic *smanþī, of unknown origin. Cognate with Scots smuith (“smooth”), Saterland Frisian smoud (“smooth”), Low German smood and smödig (“smooth, malleable, ductile”), Dutch smeuïg (“smooth”) (from earlier smeudig).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The outlines must be smooth, […]imperceptible to the touch, and even, without eminence or cavities."
— 1695, C[harles] A[lphonse] du Fresnoy, translated by John Dryden, De Arte Graphica. The Art of Painting, […], London: […] J[ohn] Heptinstall for W. Rogers, […], →OCLC:
"“A tight little craft,” was Austin’s invariable comment on the matron; and she looked it, always trim and trig and smooth of surface like a converted yacht cleared for action. ¶ Near her wandered her husband, orientally bland, invariably affable,[…]."
— 1907 August, Robert W[illiam] Chambers, chapter IX, in The Younger Set, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company, →OCLC:
"Smooth and slender and naked, Mary Rittersdorf faced her husband."
— 1964, Philip K. Dick, “THIRTEEN”, in Clans of the Alphane Moon, United States: Ace Books, →OCLC; republished London: HarperCollinsPublishers, 1996, →ISBN, page 193:
"Teaching that’s done by talking seems to have one rough path and another part which is smoother."
— 2005, Lesley Brown, Sophist, translation of original by Plato, page 229e:
"England's path to Poland and Ukraine next summer looked to be a smooth one as goals from Ashley Young and Darren Bent gave them a comfortable lead after 31 minutes."
— 2011, Phil McNulty, “Euro 2012: Montenegro 2-2 England”, in BBC:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After sanding the wood for hours with fine-grit paper, the surface became very ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The surface of the lake was perfectly ____, reflecting the mountains like a giant mirror.