refurbish
ree-FER-bish
/ˌriːˈfɜː.bɪʃ/
Renovate and redecorate something, especially a building or room, to restore it to good condition.
Focuses on restoring appearance, decor, and operational shape through cleaning, repainting, and repairs.
The story behind the word. Formed from the prefix 're-' and Old French 'furbir' (to polish or clean armor). By the 16th century in English, it meant polishing up metalwork or renewing worn possessions.
Word relationships
- renovate: Often involves more structural changes than refurbishing.
- revamp: Implies restructuring or updating appearance, often used for processes or software.
- demolish: To pull down or destroy a building completely.
- neglect: To fail to care for properly.
Commonly confused with
- retrofit: Refurbish focuses on cleaning, repainting, and repairing existing gear, whereas retrofit focuses on adding new systems.
Word family
- refurbishment (noun): The processing of renovating and redecorating.
Collocations
- refurbish an apartment
- completely refurbish
- refurbished electronics
- cost to refurbish
Example sentences
- "The city council voted to refurbish the historic central station rather than demolish it." Urban Renewal
- "The hotel was closed for three months while the interior suites were thoroughly refurbished." Commercial Real Estate
Memory hook
RE-FURBISH: Furbish sounds like FUR/BRUSH; brushing and cleaning up again. Polish up and make fresh again.
When not to use
Do not use when building entirely new structures from scratch.
Fun facts
- In consumer technology, 'refurbished' items are pre-owned goods tested, repaired, and re-sold with warranties.
Related words
Explore more words
renovation, rejuvenate, restoration, rehabilitate, revitalize, restore
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