smoothing
smoothing — verb
1. to press or rub a surface with your hand or a tool so that it becomes flat and e
to press or rub a surface with your hand or a tool so that it becomes flat and even, removing any wrinkles, bumps, or rough parts
Amara smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt before the job interview.
smooth + direct object (item of clothing)
The carpenter smoothed the rough edges of the wooden table with sandpaper.
smooth + noun phrase + with + tool
Hana gently smoothed her little brother's hair after he woke up from his nap.
Jorge used a hot iron to smooth the creases in his cotton shirt.
After the cake was baked, Sofia smoothed the icing over the top with a flat knife.
文法句型
smooth + noun phrase
用法筆記
The object is usually a piece of fabric, clothing, hair, paper, wood, or food surface that can become wrinkled or uneven.
常見錯誤
2. to get rid of problems, disagreements, or obstacles so that people can work toge
to get rid of problems, disagreements, or obstacles so that people can work together more easily or a process can move forward without difficulty
The new manager smoothed the relationship between the two departments after months of conflict.
smooth + noun phrase (relationship/process)
Wei smoothed the way for the project by getting approval from the local government first.
smooth the way for + noun phrase
Olga's careful planning smoothed the whole moving process so the family could settle in quickly.
A skilled mediator smoothed the disagreements between the two sides by finding common ground.
- ease
similar meaning but softer; implies making something less difficult rather than removing obstacles entirely
- facilitate
more formal; focuses on making a process easier
- clear
suggests removing barriers or blockages
- hinder
to create difficulties or delays
- complicate
to make something more difficult
文法句型
smooth + noun phrase
smooth the way for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used in the phrasal patterns 'smooth the way for' and 'smooth things over'. The object is typically an interpersonal situation, process, or set of difficulties.
常見錯誤
3. to put a soft or liquid substance onto a surface using gentle hand movements so
to put a soft or liquid substance onto a surface using gentle hand movements so that it forms an even layer
Kwame smoothed sunscreen onto his children's shoulders before they went swimming at the beach.
smooth + substance + onto + body part
Fatima smoothed a thin layer of butter over the warm bread for her daughter's breakfast.
smooth + substance + over + surface (food)
The nurse smoothed antibiotic cream onto the patient's cut using a clean cotton pad.
Diego smoothed moisturiser onto his hands after washing dishes all evening.
- scrape off
to remove a layer from a surface
- wipe away
to remove a substance with a cloth or hand
文法句型
smooth + noun phrase + onto/on/over + noun phrase
用法筆記
A preposition (onto, on, over) is needed before the surface being covered. Common objects include cream, lotion, butter, ointment, paint, and similar spreadable substances.
常見錯誤
smoothing — adjective
1. describes a surface that feels flat and even when you touch it, with no bumps, h
describes a surface that feels flat and even when you touch it, with no bumps, holes, lumps, or rough parts
The kitchen floor was so smooth that the children could slide across it in their socks.
smooth + surface type (floor/road/wall)
Maria ran her hand over the smooth surface of the polished kitchen counter.
After the old road was repaved, it felt as smooth as glass compared to before.
A good mirror needs a smooth surface to give a clear and accurate reflection.
Ingrid chose a paint that would leave a smooth finish on the bedroom walls.
常見錯誤
2. describes a process, journey, or period of time that happens without any problem
describes a process, journey, or period of time that happens without any problems, delays, or unexpected interruptions
The flight from Taipei to Tokyo was smooth, with no delays or bad weather at all.
smooth + journey/flight/drive
After months of preparation, the product launch was smooth and went exactly as planned.
James hoped the transition to the new software system would be smooth for all users.
The baby slept through the night, making the first day of the trip smooth for everyone.
Smooth sailing for the rest of the project meant the team finished a week early.
- seamless
emphasises that there are no noticeable gaps or breaks between stages
- easy
more general; describes something that requires little effort
- untroubled
more literary; describes a period free of problems
用法筆記
This sense is used for events, processes, journeys, transitions, and sequences of actions — not for describing physical surfaces.
常見錯誤
3. describes a drink or food that has a gentle, rich taste without sharp, sour, or
describes a drink or food that has a gentle, rich taste without sharp, sour, or bitter notes
This coffee is smooth and rich, with no bitter aftertaste at all.
smooth + coffee/chocolate/wine
Hana prefers smooth wines that are not too dry or sharp on the tongue.
The dark chocolate mousse was so smooth and creamy that Aisha asked for the recipe.
Malik bought a smooth whiskey that he could enjoy slowly on cold winter evenings.
用法筆記
Primarily used for coffee, tea, chocolate, wine, whiskey, and other beverages or foods with complex flavours where bitterness or sharpness can be a concern.
4. describes someone who is excessively charming and polished in their social manne
describes someone who is excessively charming and polished in their social manner, but in a way that feels false or calculated rather than genuine
The smooth salesman promised the couple everything they wanted, but they did not trust a single word he said.
smooth + salesman/politician/talker
Dmitri's smooth compliments at the office party made his colleagues wonder what he really wanted from them.
The politician gave a smooth speech that was full of charm but offered very few real promises.
Aisha saw through his smooth manners and knew he was only trying to impress the manager for a promotion.
用法筆記
Always carries a negative or suspicious tone. The person's charm is seen as excessive and manipulative. Never used as a genuine compliment.
常見錯誤
smoothing — noun
1. the action or process of making a surface flat, even, or more regular by pressin
the action or process of making a surface flat, even, or more regular by pressing or rubbing it with a hand or tool
The smoothing of the wooden surface took two hours with fine sandpaper.
the smoothing of + noun phrase
A gentle smoothing of the fabric with your hand removes most wrinkles without needing an iron.
The smoothing of the clay with a little water gave the finished pot a beautiful shine.
Proper smoothing of the plaster makes the wall ready for painting the next day.
- flattening
more general; does not specify the tool or method used
- polishing
implies making shiny as well as smooth
- levelling
focuses on making the surface even in height
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'of' and a noun describing the material or surface being made smooth. Common in craft, DIY, and beauty contexts.