burnish

[ bur-nish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to polish (a surface) by friction.

   Synonyms: shine, buff

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

/ ˈbɜːnɪʃ /

verb

1. to make or become shiny or smooth by friction; polish

noun

1. a shiny finish; lustre

Derived Forms

• ˈburnishable, adjective
• ˈburnisher, noun

Other Words From

• burnish·a·ble adjective
• burnish·ment noun
• un·burnished adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of burnish¹

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

Example Sentences

In a story last year about turning 40, Riley told the Los Angeles Times that he has never been fixated on burnishing his personal legacy.

From Los Angeles Times

With a deluxe new remix courtesy of engineer Paul Hicks and Harrison’s son Dhani, "Living in the Material World" has finally been burnished for our new millennium.

From Salon

Close, who reprised her Tony-winning performance as Norma in the 2017 Broadway revival and added layers of authenticity burnished by time, made the musical seem weightier than it is.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than attacking Trump even before all the votes are counted, Newsom should focus on trying to burnish his record as California governor.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom burnished his brand as a fighter for the party after calling out national Democrats for failing to go on the offensive in the culture wars.

From Los Angeles Times