Smoothen vs. Smooth — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
"Smoothen" is a verb meaning to make something smoother, focusing on the action, while "smooth" can be a verb, adjective, or adverb, used more broadly in different contexts.
Difference Between Smoothen and Smooth
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Smoothen specifically refers to the action of making something smooth, typically used in a more formal or technical context. Whereas, smooth as a verb also implies making something free from roughness, but it's commonly used in everyday language.
Smoothen might be used less frequently in everyday speech, often appearing in specific dialects or regions. On the other hand, smooth is widely recognized and used in both spoken and written English across various regions.
Smoothen often appears in contexts where a physical or metaphorical transformation is emphasized. While, smooth might be used more figuratively, such as in smoothing over a situation, implying resolving or mitigating conflicts.
Smoothen is sometimes considered redundant or overly formal, which can affect its usage in casual dialogue. Whereas, smooth is versatile, serving as an adjective describing texture, appearance, or manner, and as an adverb in phrases like "go smooth."
Smoothen conveys a specific and deliberate action, focusing on the process of alteration. While, smooth can describe an inherent quality or state of being, not just the action of making something smooth.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Verb, Adjective, Adverb
Usage Frequency
Less common; formal
Common; versatile in everyday use
Contextual Application
Physical or metaphorical smoothing
Broad usage, including figurative
Implication
Emphasis on the process
Can indicate inherent qualities
Tone
Sometimes considered redundant
Neutral and widely accepted
Compare with Definitions
Smoothen
To make smooth or smoother.
To smoothen the wood, sandpaper was used extensively.
Smooth
Untroubled; serene.
He remained smooth under pressure during the interview.
Smoothen
To refine or polish a surface or idea.
He took time to smoothen his speech for the audience.
Smooth
Slick in manner or speech.
The salesman's smooth talking persuaded the customers easily.
Smoothen
To ease or facilitate a process.
The negotiations were smoothened by the mediator's expertise.
Smooth
Free from projections or unevenness of surface.
The artist admired the smooth marble of the sculpture.
Smoothen
To soften or lessen in intensity.
The ointment helped to smoothen the skin irritation.
Smooth
Having an even and regular surface or consistency.
She loved the smooth texture of the silk.
Smoothen
To remove obstacles or hindrances.
Their cooperation helped to smoothen the project's progress.
Smooth
Effortless; easy.
The presentation went smooth, impressing all attendees.
Smoothen
To make or become smooth.
Smooth
Having a surface free from irregularities, roughness, or projections; even.
Smoothen
(transitive) To make smooth.
Smooth
Free from waves or disturbances; calm
The lake is smooth today.
Smoothen
(intransitive) To become smooth.
Smooth
Free from hair, whiskers, or stubble
Felt his smooth cheek after the close shave.
Smoothen
To make smooth.
Smooth
Having a short dense flat coat. Used of dogs.
Smoothen
Make smooth or smoother, as if by rubbing;
Smooth the surface of the wood
Smooth
Having a fine texture
A smooth fabric.
Smoothen
(of surfaces) make shine;
Shine the silver, please
Polish my shoes
Smooth
Having an even consistency
A smooth pudding.
Smoothen
Become smooth
Smooth
Having an even or gentle motion or movement
A smooth ride.
Smooth
Having no obstructions or difficulties
A smooth operation.
A smooth trip.
Smooth
Easy-going; serene
A smooth temperament.
Smooth
Not sharp or bitter in taste
A smooth wine.
Smooth
Delicately pleasing to the ear; not harsh or grating
A smooth voice.
Smooth
Ingratiatingly polite and agreeable
Known for his smooth remarks.
Smooth
To make (something) even, level, or unwrinkled
Smoothed the fabric with an iron.
Smooth
To rid of obstructions, hindrances, or difficulties
A real estate agent who smoothed the process of applying for a mortgage.
Smooth
To soothe or tranquilize; make calm
The president tried to smooth over the hurt feelings of the disputing factions.
Smooth
To cause to appear less harsh or severe than is the case
Don't try to smooth over their faults.
Smooth
To become smooth.
Smooth
The act of smoothing.
Smooth
A smooth surface or part.
Smooth
Having a texture that lacks friction. Not rough.
Smooth
Without difficulty, problems, or unexpected consequences or incidents.
We hope for a smooth transition to the new system.
Smooth
Bland; glib.
Smooth
Flowing or uttered without check, obstruction, or hesitation; not harsh; fluent.
Smooth
Suave; sophisticated.
Smooth
(of an action) Natural; unconstrained.
Smooth
(of a motion) Unbroken.
Smooth
Placid, calm.
Smooth
(of an edge) Lacking projections or indentations; not serrated.
Smooth
(of food or drink) Not grainy; having an even texture.
Smooth
(of a beverage) Having a pleasantly rounded flavor; neither rough nor astringent.
Smooth
Having derivatives of all finite orders at all points within the function’s domain.
Smooth
That factors completely into small prime numbers.
Smooth
Lacking marked aspiration.
Smooth
Involuntary and non-striated.
Smooth
Smoothly.
Smooth
Something that is smooth, or that goes smoothly and easily.
Smooth
A smoothing action.
Smooth
A domestic animal having a smooth coat.
Smooth
A member of an anti-hippie fashion movement in 1970s Britain.
Smooth
(statistics) The analysis obtained through a smoothing procedure.
Smooth
(transitive) To make smooth or even.
Smooth
(transitive) To reduce to a particular shape or form by pressure; to press, to flatten.
To smooth cloth with a smoothing iron
Smooth
(transitive) To make straightforward or easy.
Smooth
(transitive) To calm or palliate.
To smooth a person's temper
Smooth
To capture important patterns in the data, while leaving out noise.
Smooth
(West Country) To stroke; especially to stroke an animal's fur.
Can I smooth your cat?
Smooth
Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points can be perceived by the touch; not rough; as, smooth glass; smooth porcelain.
The outlines must be smooth, imperceptible to the touch, and even, without eminence or cavities.
Smooth
Evenly spread or arranged; sleek; as, smooth hair.
Smooth
Gently flowing; moving equably; not ruffled or obstructed; as, a smooth stream.
Smooth
Flowing or uttered without check, obstruction, or hesitation; not harsh; voluble; even; fluent.
The only smooth poet of those times.
Waller was smooth; but Dryden taught to joinThe varying verse, the full-resounding line.
When sage Minerva rose,From her sweet lips smooth elocution flows.
Smooth
Bland; mild; smoothing; fattering.
This smooth discourse and mild behavior oftConceal a traitor.
Smooth
Causing no resistance to a body sliding along its surface; frictionless.
Smooth
Smoothly.
Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep.
Smooth
The act of making smooth; a stroke which smooths.
Smooth
That which is smooth; the smooth part of anything.
Smooth
To make smooth; to make even on the surface by any means; as, to smooth a board with a plane; to smooth cloth with an iron.
Smooth
To free from obstruction; to make easy.
Thou, Abelard! the last sad office pay,And smooth my passage to the realms of day.
Smooth
To free from harshness; to make flowing.
In their motions harmony divineSo smooths her charming tones that God's own earListens delighted.
Smooth
To palliate; to gloze; as, to smooth over a fault.
Smooth
To give a smooth or calm appearance to.
Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm.
Smooth
To ease; to regulate.
Smooth
To flatter; to use blandishment.
Because I can not flatter and speak fair,Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive and cog.
Smooth
The act of smoothing;
He gave his hair a quick smooth
Smooth
Make smooth or smoother, as if by rubbing;
Smooth the surface of the wood
Smooth
(of surfaces) make shine;
Shine the silver, please
Polish my shoes
Smooth
Free from obstructions;
Smooth the way towards peace negociations
Smooth
Having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities;
Smooth skin
A smooth tabletop
Smooth fabric
A smooth road
Water as smooth as a mirror
Smooth
Smoothly agreeable and courteous with a degree of sophistication;
He was too politic to quarrel with so important a personage
The hostess averted a confrontation between two guests with a diplomatic change of subject
The manager pacified the customer with a smooth apology for the error
Affable, suave, moderate men...smugly convinced of their respectability
Smooth
Of the margin of a leaf shape; not broken up into teeth
Smooth
Not marked with wrinkles;
Unwrinkled cheeks
Smooth
Smooth and unconstrained in movement;
A long, smooth stride
The fluid motion of a cat
The liquid grace of a ballerina
Liquid prose
Smooth
Without breaks between notes; smooth and connected;
A legato passage
Smooth
Without chinks or crannies
Smooth
Lacking obstructions or difficulties;
The bill's path through the legislature was smooth and orderly
Common Curiosities
Can "smooth" be used as a noun?
No, "smooth" is used as a verb, adjective, or adverb, but not as a noun.
In which contexts might "smoothen" be preferred over "smooth"?
In more formal or technical contexts where a specific action of making smooth is emphasized.
Is there a difference in the formality of "smoothen" versus "smooth"?
Yes, "smoothen" is generally more formal and less commonly used than "smooth."
How can "smooth" be used in everyday conversation?
As an adjective or adverb to describe qualities such as ease, evenness, and lack of trouble.
Does "smooth" have a negative connotation in any contexts?
It can be negative when describing someone's overly slick or insincere manner.
What is the primary function of the word "smoothen"?
It is used as a verb to describe the action of making something smoother.
What is an example of "smooth" used as an adverb?
"The project went smooth," meaning it proceeded without any problems.
How does the casual use of "smooth" affect its perception?
Its frequent casual use makes it familiar and accessible, reducing perceptions of formality.
Is "smoothen" a regional usage?
Yes, it's more commonly used in certain dialects and less so in standard American English.
What makes "smooth" versatile in English?
Its ability to function in multiple parts of speech and its application in both literal and figurative contexts.
How does "smoothen" relate to "smooth" in terms of linguistic evolution?
"Smoothen" may be seen as a derivative or redundant form, especially in modern usage.
Which professions might frequently use "smoothen"?
Craftsmen, writers, or anyone involved in production or editing might use it.
Are there synonyms that can replace "smoothen"?
Yes, words like "polish," "refine," or simply "smooth" can often be used interchangeably.
Can "smoothen" imply something beyond physical smoothing?
Yes, it can also imply easing or facilitating a process in a metaphorical sense.
Can "smooth" describe personality traits?
Yes, it can describe someone as being calm and composed.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Amenable vs. Amendable
Next Comparison
Kettle vs. PotAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
