Smoothed

/ˈsmuːðd/ verb

Definition

Made smooth or even by removing bumps, wrinkles, or rough spots, or metaphorically, made easier or more pleasant.

Etymology

From Old English 'smoþ,' related to Proto-Germanic 'smutaz.' The basic meaning is tactile (smooth to touch), but extended metaphorically to describe processes.

Kelly Says

We use 'smoothed over' for fixing conflicts, but the metaphor is interesting—conflicts feel 'rough' and need to be 'smoothed' like rough fabric, showing how we describe social friction with texture words!

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