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

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

He also accused Schiff of pursuing a vendetta against Trump to burnish his own career.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a brand the former work and pensions secretary was keen to burnish, pitching himself as the unity candidate who could restore trust in the party.

From BBC

It will also help his government's efforts to burnish its image as pro-business, countering claims that its policies favour top Indian businessmen like Mr Ambani.

From BBC

Three years later when he was president, Trump tried to burnish his free speech credentials while also using free speech claims to intimidate those whose understanding of free speech did not align with his own.

From Salon