refinement

(n) a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
- they performed with great polish
- I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose
- "almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art"--Joseph Conrad
polish, cultivation, finish, culture,
(n) the result of improving something
- he described a refinement of this technique
elaboration,
(n) the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.) refining, purification,
(n) a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
- without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor
- don't argue about shades of meaning
nuance, subtlety, nicety, shade,
(n) the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
- a man of intellectual refinement
- he is remembered for his generosity and civilization
civilisation, civilization,

polish cultivation finish culture elaboration refining purification nuance subtlety nicety shade civilisation civilization