polish
UK: ˈpɒlɪʃ | US: ˈpɑːlɪʃ
vt. to make smooth and shiny by rubbing
n. a substance used to make surfaces shiny
n. refinement or elegance in style or manner
The word "polish" originates from the Old French polir (to polish, refine), derived from Latin polire (to polish, make smooth). The root pol- conveys the idea of smoothing or refining, while -ish acts as a verb-forming suffix in English. Over time, the word expanded from its literal meaning of physical smoothing to metaphorical refinement (e.g., "polished manners").
She used wax to polish the wooden table until it gleamed.
The silver polish removed all tarnish from the antique spoon.
His speech lacked polish, but his ideas were compelling.
Regular polishing keeps leather shoes looking new.
The pianist’s performance was technically flawless but needed more artistic polish.