Furbish: meaning, definitions and examples

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furbish

 

[ ˈfɜr.bɪʃ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

cleaning, polishing

To furbish means to clean, polish, or restore something to its original appearance. This term often applies to objects that require maintenance to look new or to improve their condition.

Synonyms

polish, refurbish, renew, shine.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to furbish the old silverware before the dinner party.
  • He spent the afternoon furbishing his vintage guitar.
  • The librarian furbished the old books to make them more appealing.
Context #2 | Noun

polishing, restoration

A furbish can also refer to the act or process of polishing or restoring something. This term is less commonly used but still denotes a similar idea of making something shine or look new.

Synonyms

polishing, refurbishment.

Examples of usage

  • The furbish of the car took several hours.
  • After the furbish, the furniture looked brand new.

Translations

Translations of the word "furbish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 furbir

🇮🇳 चालाकी करना

🇩🇪 schummeln

🇮🇩 menipulasi

🇺🇦 обманювати

🇵🇱 oszukiwać

🇯🇵 ごまかす

🇫🇷 tromper

🇪🇸 engañar

🇹🇷 kandırmak

🇰🇷 속이다

🇸🇦 خداع

🇨🇿 ošidit

🇸🇰 ošidit

🇨🇳 欺骗

🇸🇮 prevarati

🇮🇸 svíkja

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 მატყუება

🇦🇿 aldatmaq

🇲🇽 engañar

Etymology

The word 'furbish' dates back to the late Middle Ages and is derived from the Latin word 'furbire,' meaning 'to polish' or 'to brighten.' It has roots in Old French as well. Over the centuries, the usage of 'furbish' has shifted slightly, but the core meaning related to cleaning and polishing has persisted. Initially used more in the context of armor and weapon restoration, it has broadened to include various objects, such as furniture and utensils. Today, 'furbish' retains its connotation of making something shine, embodying the care one takes in maintaining or restoring prized possessions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,697, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.