Meaning & use
burnish
Last updated
To polish something, especially metal, by rubbing it until it shines; or, figuratively, to improve or enhance a reputation.
See it in a sentence
The jeweler burnished the silver bracelet until it gleamed.
The charity work helped burnish the company's public image.
A note on using this word
Frequently used figuratively about reputations, images, or credentials, not just literal metal-polishing.
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