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Burnish: meaning, definitions and examples

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burnish

 

[ ˈbɜː.nɪʃ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

metalworking

To polish (something, especially metal) by rubbing.

Synonyms

buff, polish, shine

Examples of usage

  • His job was to burnish the brass fixtures until they shone.
  • She burnished the sword until it gleamed in the sunlight.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative

To enhance or improve something, typically by hard work or effort.

Synonyms

enhance, improve, polish

Examples of usage

  • The successful marketing campaign burnished the company's reputation.
  • He burnished his skills through years of practice.

Translations

Translations of the word "burnish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polir

🇮🇳 चमकाना

🇩🇪 polieren

🇮🇩 mengilapkan

🇺🇦 полірувати

🇵🇱 polerować

🇯🇵 磨く (みがく)

🇫🇷 polir

🇪🇸 pulir

🇹🇷 parlatmak

🇰🇷 광내다

🇸🇦 تلميع

🇨🇿 leštit

🇸🇰 leštiť

🇨🇳 抛光 (pāo guāng)

🇸🇮 polirati

🇮🇸 pússa

🇰🇿 жылтырау

🇬🇪 პოლირება

🇦🇿 cilalamaq

🇲🇽 pulir

Etymology

The word 'burnish' originated from the Old French word 'burniss-', a derivative of the verb 'burnir', meaning 'to make shine'. The term has been used since the 14th century to describe the act of polishing or enhancing the appearance of something.

See also: burn, burner, burning, burnishing, burnout, burnt.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,316 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.