Definition

1. Verb:
   • To provide or supply something needed or wanted: To give or make available something that is required or desired.
   • To equip a room or building with furniture and other fittings: To put furniture and necessary items into a space to make it ready for use or habitation.

Usage

• The verb "furnish" is used with a direct object (what is provided) and often with a prepositional phrase beginning with "with" (the thing provided).
• It is a formal or semi-formal term commonly used in contexts of providing information, supplies, or furniture.

Examples

• Providing something:
  • The witness refused to furnish any details to the police.
  • The report furnishes clear evidence of the problem.
• Equipping with furniture:
  • They decided to furnish the apartment with modern pieces.
  • The newly built office was completely furnished.

Advanced Usage

• "to furnish an answer/explanation": To provide a response or clarification.
  • The company was required to furnish an explanation for the delay.
• "to furnish proof/evidence": To supply documentation or facts that support a claim.
  • The researcher furnished proof to support her hypothesis.

Variants and Related Words

• Furnishing (noun): An item of furniture or an accessory within a room. Often used in the plural.
  • The soft furnishings, like curtains and cushions, added color to the room.
• Furnished (adjective): Describing a room or property that is equipped with furniture.
  • We rented a furnished flat for six months.
• Unfurnished (adjective): Describing a room or property that is not equipped with furniture.
  • They bought an unfurnished house and chose all their own furniture.

Synonyms

• Provide: To make something available for use.
• Supply: To make something needed available.
• Equip: To provide with the necessary items for a particular purpose.

Phrasal Verbs

• Furnish with: This is the standard construction, not a separable phrasal verb. It means to provide a place or person with something.
  • The laboratory was furnished with the latest equipment.

Related Idioms

• "Furnish food for thought": To provide an idea or subject that makes people think deeply.
  • The documentary on climate change furnished food for thought for the entire class.

Verb

1. provide or equip with furniture
   • We furnished the house in the Biedermeyer style
2. give something useful or necessary to
   • We provided the room with an electrical heater