First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1smooth
adjective \ˈsmüth\
: having a flat, even surface : not rough : not having any bumps, ridges, or uneven parts
of a liquid mixture : not having any lumps : mixed together so there are no lumps
: happening or done without any problems
Full Definition of SMOOTH
1
a (1) : having a continuous even surface (2) of a curve : being the representation of a function with a continuous first derivative (3) : having or being a short even coat of hair <a smooth collie> — compare rough, wirehaired b : being without hair c : glabrous <a smooth leaf> d : causing no resistance to sliding
2
: free from difficulties or impediments <the smooth course of his life>
3
: even and uninterrupted in flow or flight
4
: excessively and often artfully suave : ingratiating <a smooth operator>
6
a : not sharp or harsh <a smooth sherry> b : free from lumps
— smooth adverb
— smooth·ly adverb
— smooth·ness noun
See smooth defined for English-language learners
See smooth defined for kids
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Origin of SMOOTH
Middle English smothe, from Old English smōth; akin to Old Saxon smōthi smooth
Related to SMOOTH
Synonym Discussion of SMOOTH
level, flat, plane, even, smooth mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities. level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon <the vast prairies are nearly level>. flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions <the work surface must be flat>. plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface <the plane sides of a crystal>. even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight <trim the hedge so it is even>. smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities <a smooth skating rink>.
easy, facile, simple, light, effortless, smooth mean not demanding effort or involving difficulty. easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks <an easy college course>. facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness <facile answers to complex questions>. simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent <a simple problem in arithmetic>. light stresses freedom from what is burdensome <a light teaching load>. effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness <moving with effortless grace>. smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles <a smooth ride>.
suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered. suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction <a suave public relations coordinator>. urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience <an urbane traveler>. diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully <a diplomatic negotiator>. bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities <a bland master of ceremonies>. smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity <a smooth salesman>. politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people <a cunningly politic manager>.
easy, facile, simple, light, effortless, smooth mean not demanding effort or involving difficulty. easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks <an easy college course>. facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness <facile answers to complex questions>. simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent <a simple problem in arithmetic>. light stresses freedom from what is burdensome <a light teaching load>. effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness <moving with effortless grace>. smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles <a smooth ride>.
suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered. suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction <a suave public relations coordinator>. urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience <an urbane traveler>. diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully <a diplomatic negotiator>. bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities <a bland master of ceremonies>. smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity <a smooth salesman>. politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people <a cunningly politic manager>.
Rhymes with SMOOTH
2smooth
verb
: to make (something) smooth
: to remove problems or difficulties from a situation
: to spread (something) over a surface (such as your skin) : to apply (something) by rubbing it on a surface
smoothedsmooth·ingsmooths also smoothes
Full Definition of SMOOTH
transitive verb
1
: to make smooth
3
: to minimize (as a fault) especially in order to allay anger or ill will <his main job is to smooth over the friction that so often arises — Brian Crozier>
4
: to free from obstruction or difficulty <conciliation smoothed the way to an agreement>
5
a : to press flat <smoothed down the folds of her dress> b : to remove expression from (one's face) : compose
6
: to cause to lie evenly and in order : preen <a bird smoothing its feathers>
7
: to free (as a graph or data) from irregularities
intransitive verb
: to become smooth
— smooth·er noun
See smooth defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SMOOTH
15th century
Related to SMOOTH
- Synonyms
- facilitate, grease, loosen (up), ease, unclog
- Antonyms
- complicate
3smooth
noun
Definition of SMOOTH
1
: a smooth part
2
: the act of smoothing
3
: a smoothing implement
First Known Use of SMOOTH
15th century
SMOOTHNESS Defined for Kids
1smooth
adjective \ˈsmüth\
smooth·ersmooth·est
Definition of SMOOTH for Kids
1
: not rough or uneven in surface <a smooth board>
2
: not hairy <a smooth face>
3
: free from difficulties or things in the way <a smooth path> <a smooth journey>
4
: moving or progressing without breaks, sudden changes, or shifts <a smooth stream> <smooth speech>
5
: appearing to be friendly and flattering without really meaning it <a smooth talker>
— smooth·ly adverb
— smooth·ness noun
2smooth
verb
smoothedsmooth·ing
Definition of SMOOTH for Kids
1
: to remove bumps, lumps, or wrinkles : make smooth
2
: to free from trouble or difficulty <Pioneers smoothed the way for us.>
Medical Dictionary
smooth
adjective \ˈsmüth\
Medical Definition of SMOOTH
: forming or being a colony with a flat shiny surface usually made up of organisms that form no chains or filaments, show characteristic internal changes, and tend toward marked increase in capsule formation and virulence—used of dissociated strains of bacteria; compare rough
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