smooth Meaning & Definition
What Does Smooth Mean?
Smooth is an adjective that means having a continuous even surface. It is also used to mean being the representation of a function with a continuous first derivative. As a verb, it means to make smooth. As a noun, it means a smooth part.
Quick Facts About Smooth
| Part of speech | adjective, verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈsmüt͟h/ |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | sleek, suave and undulate |
| Antonyms | rough, disconnected and staccato |
| Plural | smooths |
| Comparative / superlative | smoother, smoothest |
| Verb forms | smooths, smoothing, smoothed |
Smooth Definition (Adjective)
- having a continuous even surface
- being the representation of a function with a continuous first derivative
- having or being a short even coat of hair compare rough, wirehaired
a smooth collie
- being without hair
- glabrous
a smooth leaf
- causing no resistance to sliding
- free from difficulties or impediments
the smooth course of his life
- even and uninterrupted in flow or flight
- excessively and often artfully suave : ingratiating:1
a smooth operator
- serene, equable
a smooth disposition
- amiable, courteous
- not sharp or harsh
a smooth sherry
- free from lumps
Smooth as a Verb
- to make smooth
- to free from what is harsh or disagreeable : polish
smoothed out his style
- soothe
- to minimize (something, such 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 …
- to free from obstruction or difficulty
conciliation smoothed the way to an agreement
- to press flat
smoothed down the folds of her dress
- to remove expression from (one's face) : compose
- to cause to lie evenly and in order : preen
a bird smoothing its feathers
- to free (a graph, a collection of data, etc.) from irregularities
- to become smooth
Smooth as a Noun
- a smooth part
- the act of smoothing
- a smoothing implement
Synonyms of Smooth
Antonyms of Smooth
Smooth in a Sentence
We hope for a smooth transition to the new system.
smooth-running, smooth-tongued, smooth-spoken
The paths true love never ran smooth(ly).
to smooth cloth with a smoothing iron
to smooth a person's temper
Can I smooth your cat?
a smooth collie
a smooth leaf
the smooth course of his life
a smooth operator
a smooth disposition
a smooth sherry
smoothed out his style
His main job is to smooth over the friction that so often arises …
conciliation smoothed the way to an agreement
smoothed down the folds of her dress
a bird smoothing its feathers
a smooth salesman of expensive jewelry
it should be smooth going from this point on
a smooth skating rink
his smooth disposition and leadership qualities lend themselves well to the position
a willingness to compromise will smooth the way to an early agreement
the workers smoothed the surface of the concrete before letting it dry
used fine sandpaper to smooth the face of the wood
Word Forms & Grammar
smooth adverb
smooth·ly adverb
smooth·ness noun
smooth
smoother
smoothest
smoothly
smoothness
smoothnesses
smoothed
smooth·ing
smooths
smoothes
smooth·er noun
smoothers
smoothing
smooth (comparative smoother, superlative smoothest)
smooth (plural smooths)
smooth (third-person singular simple present smooths, present participle smoothing, simple past and past participle smoothed)
Words That Rhyme With Smooth
Origin of Smooth
Origin 1: Middle English smothe, from Old English smōth; akin to Old Saxon smōthi smooth
Origin 2: From Middle English smothe, smethe, from Old English smēþe, smōþ, both from Proto-West Germanic *smanþī, of unknown origin. Cognate with Scots smuith (“smooth”), Saterland Frisian smoud (“smooth”), Low German smood and smödig (“smooth, malleable, ductile”), Dutch smeuïg (“smooth”) (from earlier smeudig).
First Known Use
before 12th century
15th centuryt
15th century
How to Pronounce Smooth
You say smooth as /ˈsmüt͟h/. It has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smooth
Is smooth an adjective or a verb?
Smooth is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a verb and a noun.
What is another word for smooth?
Close synonyms of smooth are sleek, suave and undulate. See the full list of smooth synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of smooth?
The opposite of smooth can be expressed with words like rough, disconnected, staccato and unsmooth.
What is the plural of smooth?
The plural of smooth is smooths.
What is the past tense of smooth?
The past tense of smooth is smoothed. The present participle is smoothing.