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Refurbish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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refurbish

[rɪˈfɜːbɪʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

home improvement

To renovate or redecorate something, typically a building or room, to make it look new or improve its condition.

Synonyms

redecorate, renovate, revamp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
refurbish

To clean, decorate, and make something, especially a building or piece of furniture, look new again. Usually used when talking about improving small aspects without major structural changes.

  • They decided to refurbish the old sofa instead of buying a new one.
  • The company spent a weekend refurbishing their office space.
renovate

Renovate implies making major improvements to a building or structure, often involving repairs, restoration, or significant updates to installations like plumbing and wiring.

  • They bought an old house with plans to renovate it completely.
  • The school was renovated to include more modern classrooms.
redecorate

To redecorate means to change the way a room or space looks by altering its appearance, often involving new paint or wallpaper, and sometimes new furniture or accessories.

  • We plan to redecorate the living room with new curtains and rugs.
  • After five years, they decided it was time to redecorate the kid's bedroom.
revamp

Revamp generally means to renovate or remodel, often suggesting a modern makeover or major changes to update something that seems outdated.

  • The restaurant revamped its menu to attract more customers.
  • They decided to revamp the website to improve user experience.

Examples of usage

  • Let's refurbish the kitchen before we sell the house.
  • After refurbishing the old furniture, it looked like new.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In the tech world, refurbishing often refers to devices that have been repaired and restored to good working condition before being sold.
  • Refurbished electronics can help reduce waste and are often sold at a lower price, making technology more accessible.

Environmental Impact

  • Refurbishing items helps promote sustainability by extending the life of products and reducing waste.
  • Many non-profit organizations focus on refurbishing furniture and appliances for low-income families, helping those in need while conserving resources.

Home Improvement

  • Homeowners often refurbish kitchens and bathrooms to increase property value and enhance functionality.
  • Common refurbishing projects include repainting walls, replacing worn fixtures, and upgrading appliances.

Art and Culture

  • Artists may refurbish old furniture to create unique art pieces, breathing new life into discarded items.
  • In theater, refurbishing sets and props allows for creativity in staging without exorbitant costs.

Origin of 'refurbish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'refurbish' comes from the Latin 'furbire,' meaning to polish or clean.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, combining 're-' (again) with 'furbish' (to furnish or equip).

The word 'refurbish' originated from the combination of the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and the word 'furbish' meaning 'to polish or burnish'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. Over the years, 'refurbish' has been commonly used in the context of home improvement and renovation projects.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,781 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.