refine

improve, better, perfect, refine

这些动词均有“改进、改善”之意。
improve: 最常用词，多指状态或性质上的深刻或重要改进，也可指自身能力的提高。
better: 多用于口语，指适当地改善原来并非很差的状态或性质，也指社会地位、经济状况的改善。
perfect: 语义强，通常指使方法、技术等达到完善美好的境地。
refine: 侧重指使语言、仪态等变得文雅、优美，也可指技艺等的提高。

动词 refine:

1. improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
   同义词：polish, fine-tune, down
2. make more complex, intricate, or richer
   同义词：complicate, rarify, elaborate
3. treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition
4. reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities
   同义词：rectify
5. attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or validity by polishing or purifying
6. make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of

1. The author is planning to refine on his work of five years ago.
   作者打算把他5年前的著作修改得更完美些。
2. After30 years, the mature author was able to refine on the work of his youth.
   过去30年，这位作家已经成熟，他可以将年轻时候写的作品修改得更完美了。
3. The oil will be refined.
   这些石油将被精炼。

re.fine

v.（动词）
re.fined,re.fin.ing,re.fines
v.tr.（及物动词）
To reduce to a pure state; purify.
提炼：提炼至纯的状态；净化
To remove by purifying.
提纯移走，提纯去掉
To free from coarse, unsuitable, or immoral characteristics:
使高雅：使…去掉粗鲁、不合时宜或不道德的特点：
例句：
refined his manners; refined her speaking style.
使举止高雅；使她说话风格高雅

v.intr.（不及物动词）
To become free of impurities.
被提纯
To acquire polish or elegance.
变得优雅精美
To use precise distinctions and subtlety in thought or speech.
提炼：在思想或言语中使用精确区别和细微之处

【引伸】
refin.er
n.（名词）