Word
polishing
Phoneticspol·ish·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɑɫɪʃɪŋ/
UK/pˈɒlɪʃɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of rubbing a surface to make it smooth and shiny. It can also mean the process of improving something to make it perfect.
n. the process of smoothing or shining a surface by friction; figuratively, the refinement of a piece of work to remove minor flaws.
Examples
“The silver needs a good polishing before the party.”
“After finishing the first draft of her essay, she spent several hours on the final polishing of the prose.”
“The master craftsman insisted that the final polishing of the mahogany table be done by hand to ensure a mirror-like finish without any visible swirl marks.”
Examples
simple
“The silver needs a good polishing before the party.”
contextual
“After finishing the first draft of her essay, she spent several hours on the final polishing of the prose.”
complex
“The master craftsman insisted that the final polishing of the mahogany table be done by hand to ensure a mirror-like finish without any visible swirl marks.”
Usage
Often used in the gerund form to describe the act of refinement; frequently paired with 'of' to indicate the object being improved.
Real-World Examples
“Another example he points to is the care taken over polishing so that oils will not seep away from their parts during years of wear and tear.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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