burnish
UK: ˈbɜːnɪʃ | US: ˈbɜːrnɪʃ
vt. to polish or make shiny by rubbing
vt. to enhance or improve the appearance or reputation of something
n. a glossy or polished finish
burnish = burn<to make bright> + ish<verb suffix>
- burn (from Old French brunir, "to polish, make shiny," derived from brun, "brown, shining")
- ish (a verb-forming suffix indicating action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word burnish traces back to Old French brunir, which originally meant "to make brown" but evolved to mean "to polish" (as polished metals often take on a brownish sheen). The suffix -ish was added to form the verb, emphasizing the action of polishing or shining. Over time, burnish expanded metaphorically to include improving reputations or appearances.
The craftsman used a cloth to burnish the silver vase until it gleamed.
The company aimed to burnish its image after the scandal.
Ancient warriors would burnish their armor before battle.
Her speech burnished her reputation as a skilled orator.
The leather was burnished to a smooth, glossy finish.