Smooth vs Smoothe
What’s the difference between them?
Smooth
Meaning:
adjective; having a flat, even surface; free from roughness or irregularities.
Examples:
1. The lake's surface was smooth as glass, reflecting the surrounding mountains in perfect clarity.
2. Her silky hair felt smooth to the touch, a result of the high-quality conditioner she used.
3. The mechanic ensured that the car's engine ran smoothly, eliminating any vibrations or roughness.
Smoothe
Meaning:
verb; to make something flat, even, or free from irregularities; to move gently and without interruption.
Examples:
1. Using a sander, the carpenter worked to smoothe the rough edges of the wooden table, creating a polished finish.
2. After plastering the walls, the workers carefully smoothe the surface to achieve a seamless and even appearance.
3. The dancer practiced to smoothe out her routine, ensuring every movement flowed gracefully from one to the next.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Smooth
1. Even
2. Level
3. Unblemished
4. Sleek
5. Polished
1. Rough
2. Uneven
3. Bumpy
4. Coarse
5. Irregular
Smoothe
1. Flatten
2. Level
3. Even out
4. Polish
5. Iron out
1. Roughen
2. Ruffle
3. Disturb
4. Interrupt
5. Agitate
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Smooth", "Smoothe".
1. Associate 'smooth' with the adjective definition related to a flat, even surface. 'The tabletop is smooth.'
2. Think of 'smoothe' as a verb indicating an action—making something flat, even, or free from irregularities. 'He used a sander to smoothe the rough edges.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
'Smooth' (Adjective) Use this word to describe surfaces, textures, or processes that are flat, even, and free from roughness. For example, a smooth road, a smooth transition, or smooth skin.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
'Smoothe' (Verb) Use this word when describing the action of making something flat, even, or free from irregularities. For example, to smoothe wrinkles from fabric or to smoothe out a rough surface.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'Smooth' (adjective) is pronounced with a long 'oo' sound, like 'smoo-th.' 'Smoothe' (verb) is pronounced with a short 'oo' sound, like 'smooth.'
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
People often mistakenly use 'smoothe' as an adjective, confusing it with 'smooth.' Incorrect pronunciation is a common mistake, with some using the same pronunciation for both words.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The surface of the table was so ___ that I could see my reflection in it.
2. Before painting, he took the time to ___ out all the bubbles and imperfections.
3. The fabric was soft and ___ against my skin.
4. If you ___ the sheet properly, there wont be any wrinkles.
5. I always appreciate a ___ transition between topics in a presentation.
6. It took her a while to ___ the ruffled feathers of the bird.
1. smooth (adjective)
Explanation: The sentence describes the surface of the table. An adjective is needed here to describe the noun surface, so smooth fits the context.
2. smoothe (verb)
Explanation: This sentence is describing an action done to the bubbles and imperfections. Therefore, we need a verb, which means smoothe is the correct choice.
3. smooth (adjective)
Explanation: This sentence describes the feel of the fabric, which means an adjective is needed to describe the noun fabric. Smooth fits the bill.
4. smoothe (verb)
Explanation: The context indicates an action to be taken on the sheet. A verb is required to convey this action, making smoothe the correct choice.
5. smooth (adjective)
Explanation: Here, the word describes the type of transition, making it an adjective. Smooth is the adjective form and fits the sentence perfectly.
6. smoothe (verb)
Explanation: The context describes an action performed on the feathers of the bird. This requires a verb, so smoothe is the correct word.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.