Burnished: meaning, definitions and examples

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burnished

 

[ ˈbɜrnɪʃt ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

metal finish

Burnished refers to a surface that has been polished or enhanced to achieve a shiny and smooth appearance. This process often involves rubbing the surface to create a luster, often seen in metals or wood.

Synonyms

glossy, polished, shiny, smooth.

Examples of usage

  • The burnished copper gleamed in the sunlight.
  • She admired the burnished surface of the mahogany table.
  • The artist used a burnished technique to enhance the details.
  • The jewelry had a beautiful burnished finish that attracted attention.
Context #2 | Verb

surface enhancement

To burnish means to polish or make a surface smooth and shiny by rubbing. This technique is commonly used in crafts, metalwork, and art to provide a refined finish.

Synonyms

buff, polish, shine, smooth.

Examples of usage

  • She burnished the silver to restore its shine.
  • The craftsman carefully burnished the wooden sculpture.
  • He burnished the edges of the paper to give it a finished look.

Translations

Translations of the word "burnished" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polido

🇮🇳 चमकदार

🇩🇪 poliert

🇮🇩 dihaluskan

🇺🇦 полірований

🇵🇱 polerowany

🇯🇵 磨かれた

🇫🇷 bruni

🇪🇸 pulido

🇹🇷 parlatılmış

🇰🇷 광택이 있는

🇸🇦 مصقول

🇨🇿 leštěný

🇸🇰 leštený

🇨🇳 抛光的

🇸🇮 poliran

🇮🇸 sléttur

🇰🇿 жылтыр

🇬🇪 ბრწყინვალე

🇦🇿 parıldayan

🇲🇽 pulido

Etymology

The term 'burnished' is derived from the Middle English word 'burnishen,' which means to make bright or polish. This, in turn, arose from the Old French 'burnir,' which comes from the Latin 'burnire,' meaning to make bright or smooth. The concept of burnishing dates back to ancient practices where artisans would refine metals and ceramics to achieve aesthetic appeal and improve durability. In historical contexts, burnishing was often associated with enhancing the value of artwork and functional pieces, which reflects the broader importance placed on craftsmanship in different cultures. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both the physical act of polishing and the qualities associated with a high-gloss finish.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,400, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.