Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make something smooth or smoother: The primary meaning is to remove roughness, irregularities, or wrinkles from a surface.
   • To become smooth: To change from a rough or uneven state to a smooth one.
   • To polish or make (a surface) shiny: To give something a glossy, reflective finish by rubbing or applying a substance.

Usage

• Transitive Verb (takes a direct object): Used when an agent performs the action on something else.
  • You need to smoothen the wood before painting.
  • She smoothened the fabric with an iron.
• Intransitive Verb (does not take a direct object): Used when the subject itself becomes smooth.
  • The sea began to smoothen as the wind died down.
  • Apply the cream, and your skin will smoothen over time.

Examples

• Making a surface smooth:
  • The carpenter used a plane to smoothen the rough edges of the table.
  • This cream helps to smoothen fine lines on your face.
• Polishing to a shine:
  • Please smoothen the silverware before setting the table for the dinner party.
  • He smoothened his leather shoes until he could see his reflection.
• Becoming smooth:
  • After the storm passed, the waves gradually smoothened.
  • The dough will smoothen as you knead it.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe making a process, relationship, or transition easier and without problems.
  • The new manager's role is to smoothen the transition between the two departments.
  • Diplomats worked to smoothen tensions between the two countries.

Variants and Related Words

• Smooth (verb): A more common verb with a very similar meaning. "Smoothen" is often considered a less frequent variant.
  • Smooth the icing on the cake.
• Smooth (adjective): Having an even, regular surface; free from roughness.
  • The road was very smooth.
• Smoother (noun): A tool or substance used for smoothing.
  • He used a paint smoother on the wall.

Synonyms

• Polish: To make something smooth and shiny by rubbing.
• Even out: To make a surface level or uniform.
• Flatten: To make something flat or smoother by pressing.
• Burnish: To polish by rubbing, especially metal.

Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Smoothen" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The related verb "smooth" is used instead.) - Smooth over: To make problems or disagreements seem less serious, usually by talking politely. - He tried to smooth over the argument before it escalated.

Related Idioms

(Note: Idioms typically use the adjective "smooth," not the verb "smoothen.") - Smooth sailing: A situation that is easy and free from problems. - After the initial difficulties, the project was smooth sailing. - Smooth operator: A person who handles situations, especially social ones, in a clever and effective way. - He's a real smooth operator in business negotiations.

Verb

1. become smooth
2. make (a surface) shine
   • shine the silver, please
   • polish my shoes
3. make smooth or smoother, as if by rubbing
   • smooth the surface of the wood