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refurbish

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /rɪˈfɜːrbɪʃ/

KK: /rɪˈfɜrbɪʃ/

transitive verb
Definition

To make something clean, bright, or fresh again, often by repairing or renovating it.


Example

They decided to refurbish the old furniture instead of buying new pieces.


Tense Forms

Past: refurbished

Past Participle: refurbished


Conversation
Sloth A
I was thinking of how much I want to refurbish my old bike.
Sloth B
That sounds like a fun project! What do you want to change?
Sloth A
I want to repaint it and maybe replace the tires to make it feel new again.
Sloth B
Great idea! A fresh look will definitely make it more enjoyable to ride.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
renew
restore
revamp
Antonyms
deteriorate
damage
neglect
Root Explanation

Refurbish → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "furbish" (from Old French *furbir*, meaning to polish or brighten). The word "refurbish" means to polish or renovate something again, making it look new or improved.

Memory Tip

Think of making something shiny and new 'again' — 're-' means again, and 'furbish' means to polish.

Visually Confused Words
furbish
reflourish
prefurnish
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