Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make something level, even, or free of irregularities: The primary meaning is to remove bumps, wrinkles, or rough areas from a surface.
   • To make a process easier or to resolve difficulties: To eliminate problems or obstacles, facilitating progress.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • She used an iron to smooth out the wrinkles in her shirt.
  • The carpenter sanded the wood to smooth out its rough surface.
  • The manager helped smooth out the disagreements between the two teams.
  • A new policy was introduced to smooth out the transition to the updated software.

Advanced Usage

• "to smooth out differences": to reconcile disagreements or conflicts.
  • The mediator's role was to smooth out the differences between the negotiating parties.
• "to smooth out the process": to streamline or remove inefficiencies from a procedure.
  • We need to smooth out the application process for our customers.

Variants and Related Words

• Smooth (verb): To make something smooth. (e.g., )
• Smoother (noun): A tool or substance used for smoothing.
• Smooth (adjective): Having a flat, even surface without lumps or indentations.

Synonyms

• Flatten: To make something flat or level.
• Even out: To make something uniform or consistent.
• Iron out: To resolve difficulties or disagreements (idiomatic, similar to the second definition).
• Facilitate: To make an action or process easier.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Smooth over: To make problems or disagreements seem less serious, often temporarily. (Note: This is a distinct phrasal verb with a nuanced meaning of minimizing issues rather than fully resolving them).
  • He tried to smooth over the conflict with a joke, but the underlying issue remained.

Related Idioms

• Smooth sailing: A situation that is easy and free from problems. (This idiom relates to the result of having "smoothed out" difficulties).
  • After we resolved the initial bugs, the project was smooth sailing.

Verb

1. free from obstructions
   • smooth the way towards peace negotiations