Burnish: meaning, definitions and examples

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burnish

[ ˈbɜː.nɪʃ ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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

Word origin

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.