1. to purify or process a substance to remove impurities
The company refines crude oil into gasoline.
A empresa refina petróleo bruto em gasolina.
2. to improve or perfect something by making small changes
She refined her writing style over the years.
Ela refinou seu estilo de escrita ao longo dos anos.
3. to make more elegant, sophisticated, or cultured
He worked to refine his manners and etiquette.
Ele trabalhou para refinar seus modos e etiqueta.