Smooth
/smuːð/
Definitions
4 meaningsHaving an even, unbroken surface; free from roughness or bumps.
/smuːð/
Having a flat, even surface or consistency.
The surface of the polished wood was perfectly smooth.
💡 Simply: Imagine running your hand over a baby's cheek – that's smooth! Like when ice cream melts perfectly, or when you've ironed a shirt.
👶 For kids: When something is smooth, it's not bumpy. Like a flat rock or a soft blanket.
More Examples
She applied a smooth layer of paint to the wall.
The baby's skin felt incredibly smooth.
How It's Used
"The polished marble felt smooth to the touch."
"The chef whipped the cream until it was smooth."
Happening or done without difficulties or problems; flowing or continuous.
/smuːð/
Free from difficulties or problems; easy.
The negotiations went smoothly.
💡 Simply: If everything goes according to plan and you're having a great time, you could say things are running smoothly. Like when your trip to the amusement park is super fun and there are no lines.
👶 For kids: When things are smooth, it means it's easy and not hard.
More Examples
They had a smooth transition after the leadership change.
He had a smooth ride on his bike.
How It's Used
"The merger process was surprisingly smooth."
"He delivered a smooth and convincing speech."
Polite and agreeable in behavior, often in a way that seems insincere.
/smuːð/
Polite and suave in manner.
The politician was known for his smooth demeanor.
💡 Simply: If someone is super charming and seems to be trying extra hard to win you over, they might be considered smooth. Like when a character in a movie is known for sweet-talking others.
👶 For kids: When someone is smooth, they are extra nice to you.
More Examples
He used a smooth approach to convince the client.
Her boyfriend was charming and smooth.
How It's Used
"He had a smooth way with women."
"A smooth-talking salesman convinced her to buy the product."
To make something smooth by removing roughness or irregularities.
/smuːð/
To make something smooth.
The artist smoothed the clay before painting.
💡 Simply: To make something less rough and more like a flat, even surface. Like when you're putting frosting on a cake, and you smooth it to make it look nice.
👶 For kids: When you make something smooth, you take away the bumps.
More Examples
He smoothed his hair with his hand.
The workers smoothed the concrete.
How It's Used
"The carpenter smoothed the surface with sandpaper."
"She smoothed the icing on the cake."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
smooth operator
A person who is charming, confident, and often manipulative in social situations, especially in romantic contexts.
"He was quite the smooth operator, always knowing the right things to say."
smooth sailing
Progressing easily and without problems.
"After we fixed the initial issues, it was smooth sailing from then on."
From Old English *smōþ*, related to Dutch *smoot*, German *geschmeidig*. The word's meaning has evolved to encompass physical texture, surface regularity, and, metaphorically, a lack of difficulty or friction.
The word 'smooth' has been used since the Old English period, initially referring to the physical texture of a surface.
Memory tip
Think of a perfectly polished stone or a silk scarf.
Word Origin
"even, level, or soft to the touch"