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smooth out

B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To make something flat and even, or to fix small problems so things go more smoothly.

Literal meaning: To smooth a surface so that bumps or folds are no longer raised but spread out flat.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To remove wrinkles, bumps, or unevenness from a physical surface.

"She smoothed out the map on the table so they could read it properly."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To resolve minor problems or difficulties so that a process or relationship runs more easily.

"The two teams met to smooth out any remaining issues before the product launch."

Grammar: separable
3 C1 idiomatic formal

To make fluctuations or variations more gradual and even over time.

"The new policy is designed to smooth out the peaks and troughs in seasonal employment."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in both literal and figurative senses. The figurative use ('smooth out the kinks') is extremely common in business and project management language. Also used in aviation and driving to describe a steady, even movement.

Commonly used with

wrinkles differences problems kinks process transition

Forms

Base
smooth out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
smooths out
he/she/it
Past simple
smoothed out
yesterday
Past participle
smoothed out
have + pp
-ing form
smoothing out
continuous

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