Monday, September 27, 2021

Word of the day: furbish

Today’s Zippy has taught me that furbish is a word.

comments: 9

Joe DiBiase said...

It's interesting that the secondary definition of furbish is to give a new look. I've always thought that that's the definition of refurbish.

Michael Leddy said...

Yes, they do share a common meaning. Ravel and unravel are a similar pair.

Joe DiBiase said...

And then there are words like bimonthly, that mean two completely different things -- much to my recent surprise.

Michael Leddy said...

Bryan Garner mentions that and suggests avoiding bi- with weeks, months, and years.

Geo-B said...

iterate and reiterate

shallnot said...

Perhaps it’s a Canadianism but we usually use refurbish for both concepts as discussed above. Furbish is generally used as a synonym for supply (v.) as in this kitchen is furbished with all the modern conveniences.

Michael Leddy said...

That’s interesting. So “furbished with all the modern conveniences” wouldn’t imply that the kitchen has been redone? It could be said of a kitchen in a new house?

shallnot said...

Yes new or otherwise. I expect it's a corruption of furnished.

Michael Leddy said...

I’ll have to listen for it.