How Do You Spell POLISH?

Pronunciation: [pˈɒlɪʃ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "polish" may seem straightforward, but it can easily trip up English learners. The letter "o" is pronounced as the short "o" sound /ɑ/ whereas the "i" is pronounced with the long "i" sound /aɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. Therefore, the correct pronunciation of this word in IPA is /ˈpɑlɪʃ/. The word can be used as a verb to describe the act of making something shiny and smooth or as an adjective to describe something from or related to Poland.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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POLISH Meaning and Definition

  1. Polish, as both a noun and a verb, can refer to a variety of meanings. As a noun, it is commonly used to describe a shiny or smooth surface achieved through cleaning, buffing, or other treatments. It can also denote integrity and refinement in one's manners or behavior. Additionally, it can refer to a substance, often in the form of a creamy paste, used to enhance the appearance of objects or materials.

    As a verb, "to polish" refers to the act of making something smooth, shiny, or refined. It involves the process of cleaning, buffing, or burnishing an object or surface to achieve a glossy or lustrous appearance. In a figurative sense, it can relate to refining one's skills, knowledge, or character through practice or improvement.

    Furthermore, "polish" can be used to describe the act of refining or perfecting a piece of creative work, such as writing, art, or a performance. It involves carefully editing, fine-tuning, or enhancing the work to make it more effective, appealing, or professional.

    In summary, "polish" can refer to the act of making something smooth, glossy, or refined, whether it be in terms of appearance, behavior, or creative work.

  2. • Of or from Poland or its people.
    • A smooth glassy surface produced by friction or rubbing; artificial gloss; elegance of manners; refinement; a substance used to impart a gloss.
    • To make smooth and glossy by rubbing or friction; to become smooth or glossy; to make elegant or polite; to refine.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for POLISH *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for POLISH

Etymology of POLISH

The word "polish" originated from the Proto-Slavic language, where it existed as the verb "polejati" meaning "to pour". It later evolved into the Proto-Slavic noun "polě" or "polěje", referring to the act of pouring. Eventually, it developed into the Old Polish noun "poles", which denoted "a pouring, a flow" or "a pouring liquid". From there, it further transformed to the Middle Polish term "polis" or "polij", which expanded its meaning to include "shine, gloss, brilliance". Finally, in modern Polish, the word became "polerować", meaning "to polish" or "to shine". The English word "polish" derives from this Polish term.

Idioms with the word POLISH

  • polish sth up The idiom "polish something up" means to improve or refine something, usually by enhancing its appearance, quality, or skillfulness through careful attention, practice, or revision. It can refer to enhancing one's performance, skills, or abilities, as well as improving the overall refinement, quality, or attractiveness of an object, idea, or piece of work.
  • polish up The idiom "polish up" means to improve or refine something, typically a skill, knowledge, or appearance, by practicing or making it more presentable.
  • spit and polish The idiom "spit and polish" refers to the act of meticulously cleaning, tidying, or grooming something or someone to appear neat, presentable, or immaculate. It often implies the effort put into making something look its best, particularly in regards to physical appearance or cleanliness.
  • polish off sth The idiom "polish off something" means to finish or consume something quickly or completely. It often refers to completing a task or finishing a meal or drink.
  • you can't polish a turd The idiom "you can't polish a turd" means that it is impossible to make something inherently bad or flawed look good or respectable, no matter how much effort or improvement is applied.
  • polish sth off The idiom "polish sth off" means to finish or consume something quickly and efficiently, typically referring to completing a task, activity, or finishing a meal or drink in a rapid manner. It implies completing something with ease or finesse.
  • polish off The idiom "polish off" means to finish or complete something quickly and efficiently, typically to consume or complete the last remaining portions. It can also refer to defeating an opponent or accomplishing a task with ease or mastery.
  • polish the apple The idiom "polish the apple" refers to the act of seeking favor or approval by using flattery or excessively praising someone, usually in order to gain an advantage or benefits, such as getting a promotion or receiving special treatment.

Similar spelling words for POLISH

Plural form of POLISH is POLISHES

Conjugate verb Polish

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have polished
you would have polished
he/she/it would have polished
we would have polished
they would have polished
I would have polish
you would have polish
he/she/it would have polish
we would have polish
they would have polish

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been polishing
you would have been polishing
he/she/it would have been polishing
we would have been polishing
they would have been polishing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would polish
you would polish
he/she/it would polish
we would polish
they would polish

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be polishing
you would be polishing
he/she/it would be polishing
we would be polishing
they would be polishing

FUTURE

I will polish
you will polish
he/she/it will polish
we will polish
they will polish

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be polishing
you will be polishing
he/she/it will be polishing
we will be polishing
they will be polishing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have polished
you will have polished
he/she/it will have polished
we will have polished
they will have polished

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been polishing
you will have been polishing
he/she/it will have been polishing
we will have been polishing
they will have been polishing

IMPERATIVE

you polish
we let´s polish

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to polish

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was polishing
you were polishing
he/she/it was polishing
we were polishing
they were polishing

PAST PARTICIPLE

polished

PAST PERFECT

I had polished
you had polished
he/she/it had polished
we had polished
they had polished

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been polishing
you had been polishing
he/she/it had been polishing
we had been polishing
they had been polishing

PRESENT

I polish
you polish
he/she/it polishes
we polish
they polish

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am polishing
you are polishing
he/she/it is polishing
we are polishing
they are polishing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

polishing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have polished
you have polished
he/she/it has polished
we have polished
they have polished

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been polishing
you have been polishing
he/she/it has been polishing
we have been polishing
they have been polishing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it polish

SIMPLE PAST

I polished
you polished
he/she/it polished
we polished
they polished

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Correct spelling for polish
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