Definition

A shiny and smooth surface or appearance, often achieved by polishing.

Example

The burnish on the metal gave it a beautiful shine.

Conversation

I just finished polishing my old coffee table, and it has such a nice burnish.

Wow, I can imagine! A good burnish really brings out the wood's beauty.

Yeah, I love the way it looks now; it feels so much more inviting.

Definitely! A little shine can make all the difference in a room.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something shiny or smooth by rubbing it.

Example

She used a cloth to burnish the silverware until it gleamed.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Hey, have you ever tried to burnish your silverware?

No, I haven't! Does it really make a difference?

Definitely! It makes everything look shiny and new.

Root Explanation

Burnish → It is derived from the Middle English 'burnishen', which comes from the Old French 'burnir', meaning to polish or make shiny. The word describes the act of polishing a surface to make it smooth and shiny.

Memory Tip

Imagine polishing something to make it shine — that's what burnish means, as it relates to making a surface smooth and shiny.

Visually Confused Words