Having an even surface without bumps or roughness. It can also mean happening without problems or done in a calm, confident way.
“Smooth” comes from Old English “smōth,” meaning “even” or “not rough.” It is related to Germanic words about rubbing or polishing. The meaning expanded from physical texture to emotional and social ease.
“Smooth” started as a touch word, then slid into social life: a smooth road, a smooth performance, a smooth talker. The same idea—no bumps—works for skin, speeches, and travel. It’s a great example of how we reuse physical sensations to describe feelings and behavior.
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