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Furbish: meaning, definitions and examples

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furbish

 

[ˈfɜr.bɪʃ ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'furbishen', which meant to polish or brighten.
  • It can be traced back to the Old French word 'furbis', meaning to trim or polish, highlighting its long history in language.
  • The word is linked to various forms in other European languages, showcasing a shared understanding of cleaning or brightening.

Art and Culture

  • Artists often furbish their tools before starting a project, ensuring they work with the best equipment.
  • Historical restoration work involves furbishing artifacts to preserve cultural heritage and make them accessible to the public.
  • The concept of furbishing appears frequently in literature as a metaphor for renewal and transformation.

Sciences

  • In environmental science, furbishing can refer to cleaning and restoring habitats to support wildlife conservation.
  • Furbishing surfaces in engineering, like polishing metal, can significantly improve durability and reduce wear over time.
  • In materials science, furbishing techniques are essential for improving the functionality and longevity of various products.

Pop Culture

  • You might hear the term 'furbish' in DIY shows, emphasizing the importance of making old items look new.
  • This term occasionally pops up in language used by home improvement influencers online, stressing the value of renovations.

Psychology

  • The act of furbishing can symbolize personal growth; people often seek to improve themselves or their lives.
  • Engaging in furbishing tasks can have therapeutic effects, as it allows for mindfulness and focus on positive transformation.
  • Research shows that environments that are tidy and ‘furbished’ can enhance mood and productivity.

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

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.