What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
burnished
Example
The burnished silverware sparkled under the bright lights. [burnished: adjective]
Example
He carefully burnished the brass doorknob until it gleamed. [burnished: past tense verb]
polished
Example
She wore a pair of polished black shoes to the job interview. [polished: adjective]
Example
He spent hours polishing the wooden table until it had a beautiful shine. [polishing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polished is more commonly used than burnished in everyday language. Polished is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while burnished is less common and specifically refers to achieving a high sheen on metallic surfaces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between burnished and polished?
Both burnished and polished can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, burnished may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with luxury and sophistication.
