burnish
burnish Lexical Profile
burnish Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To enhance, refine, or improve the appearance or standing of something (such as a reputation, image, or credentials).
"The mayor launched several green initiatives in an effort to burnish her environmental credentials before the election."
To polish a surface (especially metal) by rubbing it until it becomes smooth and shiny.
"The silversmith spent hours using a smooth agate tool to burnish the rim of the chalice."
• noun
The gloss, luster, or shine produced on a surface by rubbing or polishing.
"Years of careful handling had given the antique brass candlestick a warm, golden burnish."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite looking like the verb 'burn' (to be on fire), 'burnish' actually derives from the Old French word for 'brown' or 'shining' and has no etymological connection to fire or heat.
• Rhymes for burnish
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French burnir (stem burniss-), meaning 'to make brown or shiny,' from brun ('brown, shining'), which traces back to a Germanic root related to the English word 'brown.'