WordGarden.iosmooth
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /smˈuːð/
US
- /ˈsmuð/
Meanings
Adjective
even and not rough to the touch
free of problems, jolts, or abrupt changes
socially polished, confident, or charming in manner
Verb
make a surface even, flat, or less rough
make a process or relationship easier and less tense
Beyond the definition
Something "smooth" feels pleasant to the touch, like polished stone or silk. But it is more than just texture. A smooth talker is persuasive and charming, a smooth operation runs without problems, and a smooth sea is calm and easy to travel on. Think of ice skating, gliding smoothly across the rink. The word often suggests ease and no friction, whether physical or metaphorical. You might say a jazz musician has a "smooth" style, meaning their playing is fluid and effortless.
The word "smooth" describes a surface or action free from irregularities, bumps, or difficulties. Originally referring to literal texture—like a smooth stone worn down by water—it has expanded to encompass many different meanings. You can describe something as physically smooth: "She ran her hand over the smooth wood of the table."
But "smooth" also describes how things go. A smooth journey is one without delays or turbulence. A smooth negotiation happens without major problems or tension. A person might be described as a smooth operator, meaning they are skilled at persuading others and handling situations with finesse—sometimes even to the point of being manipulative.
"Smooth" can also describe personality traits and sensory experiences. Someone with a smooth voice is pleasant to listen to, while a smooth talker knows how to charm and persuade. It is often used in contrast to "rough" or "difficult." For instance, a rough draft needs smoothing out before it is ready for publication.
So whether you're describing the feel of a fabric, the progress of an event, or the character of a person, "smooth" suggests ease, flow, and a lack of friction—a quality that makes things pleasant and efficient.
Examples
- 1
Surface texture
She ran her hand over the smooth wooden table.
- 2
Road surface
The road is much smoother now that they’ve repaired it.
- 3
Skin care
The cream leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
- 4
Flight
The flight was so smooth that I barely noticed we had landed.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Taste
This coffee is strong but very smooth.
- 6
Confident speech
He gave a smooth, confident answer to every question.
- 7
Flattening
She smoothed the paper flat with her hand.
- 8
Problem solving
We need to smooth out a few problems before the launch.
- Phrasesmooth out
reduce problems and make something work better
- 9
Conflict repair
He tried to smooth things over after the argument.
- Phrasesmooth things over
make a tense situation calmer
- 10
Management transition
The new manager made the transition surprisingly smooth.
See also
Forms and spellings
7 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- smoothverbadjectivenoun
Forms
- smoothercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- smoothing-ing formverbadjectivenoun
- smoothedpast tensepast participleverbadjectivenoun
- smoothestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun
- smoothsverbadjectivenoun
- smoothesverbadjectivenoun