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View synonyms for

burnish

[ bur-nish ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to polish (a surface) by friction.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. to make smooth and bright.
  3. Engraving. to flatten and enlarge the dots of (a halftone) by rubbing with a tool.


noun

  1. gloss; brightness; luster:

    the burnish of brass andirons.

burnish

/ ˈɜːɪʃ /

verb

  1. to make or become shiny or smooth by friction; polish
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a shiny finish; lustre
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܰԾ󲹲, adjective
  • ˈܰԾ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ܰn·· adjective
  • ܰn·Գ noun
  • ܲ·ܰn adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of burnish1

1275–1325; Middle English burnissh < Anglo-French burniss-, Middle French bruniss- (long stem of burnir, brunir to darken, polish), equivalent to brun- brown + -iss- -ish 2
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Word History and Origins

Origin of burnish1

C14 burnischen , from Old French brunir to make brown, from brun brown
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“Jesse: The Life and Pilgrimage” by Marshall Frady burnished the reputation of Jesse Jackson, a potential Democratic challenger who decided not to run.

From

“For the People,” an authorized history of the district attorney’s office, burnishes Leavy’s legend and repeats the claim that Graham pistol-whipped the victim.

From

He’s since become a regional force in his own right — one single-handedly responsible for burnishing his brother’s legacy.

From

And it will forever be burnished in my memory because it's the wildfire that burned down my community and my home.

From

Stafford could burnish his impressive resumé with another Super Bowl title.

From

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