smooth

Universal Words adjective, verb adjective (smoother, smoothest) flat / even 1 completely flat and even, without any lumps, holes or rough areas: a lotion to make your skin feel soft and smooth * The water was as smooth as glass. * a paint that gives a smooth, silky finish * Over the years, the stone steps had worn smooth. OPPROUGH without lumps 2 (of a liquid mixture) without any lumps: Mix the flour with the milk to form a smooth paste. without problems 3 happening or continuing without any problems: They are introducing new measures to ensure the smooth running of the business. * They could not ensure a smooth transfer of political power. movement 4 even and regular, without sudden stops and starts: The car's improved suspension gives you a smoother ride. * The plane made a smooth landing. * She swung herself over the gate in one smooth movement. man 5 (often disapproving) (of people, especially men, and their behaviour) very polite and pleasant, but in a way that is often not very sincere: I don't like him. He's far too smooth for me. * He's something of a smooth operator. drink / taste 6 pleasant and not bitter: This coffee has a smooth, rich taste. voice / music 7 pleasant to hear, and without any harsh sounds: a smooth flowing melody smoothness noun [U]: the smoothness of her skin * They admired the smoothness and efficiency with which the business was run. IDIOMS see ROUGHn. verb 1 ~ sth (back / down / out) to make sth smooth: [VN] rocks smoothed by the sea * He smoothed his hair back. * She was smoothing out the creases in her skirt. * [VN-ADJ] He took the letter and smoothed it flat on the table. 2 ~ sth on / into / over sth to put a layer of a soft substance over a surface: Smooth the icing over the top of the cake. IDIOMS smooth the path / way to make it easier for sb/sth to develop or make progress: These negotiations are intended to smooth the path to a peace treaty. * We're trying to smooth the way for women who want to resume their careers. smooth (sb's) ruffled feathers to make sb feel less angry or offended PHRASALVERBS smooth sth<->away / out to make problems or difficulties disappear: Any differences between the groups were soon smoothed away. * We are here to smooth out any practical problems for you. smooth sth<->over to make problems or difficulties seem less important or serious, especially by talking to people: She spoke to both sides in the dispute in an attempt to smooth things over.