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sophistication

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /səˌfɪstəˈkeɪʃən/

KK: /səˌfɪstəˈkeɪʃən/

noun
Definition

The quality of being complex, refined, or having a high level of knowledge and understanding, often related to culture and education.


Example

Her sophistication in art and literature impressed everyone at the gallery.


Conversation
Sloth A
I really love the sophistication of this art piece.
Sloth B
It does have a unique charm, doesn't it?
Sloth A
Yeah, it feels so refined and thought-provoking.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It definitely adds a level of depth to the room.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
refinement
elegance
cultivation
Antonyms
simplicity
crudeness
naivety
Root Explanation

Sophistication → It is formed from "sophist" (from Greek "sophistes", meaning a wise person or expert) and the suffix "-ication" (meaning the process of making or becoming). The word "sophistication" refers to the process of becoming wise or knowledgeable, often implying a level of complexity or refinement.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'wise person' ('sophist') and the process of becoming that way ('-ication'). This helps you remember that sophistication means the process of becoming refined or knowledgeable.

Visually Confused Words
unsophistication
desophistication
oversophistication
phlogistication
tostication
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