varnish

/'vɑ:niʃ/

Thân thiện

The carpenter applies a coat of varnish to the wooden table.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A liquid preparation that dries to form a hard, glossy, and typically transparent or translucent coating, applied to surfaces for protection or decoration.
   • (Figuratively) A deceptively attractive external appearance or manner that conceals a less pleasant reality.

2. Verb:

   • To apply varnish to a surface.
   • (Figuratively) To give a superficially attractive or deceptive appearance to something.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • The antique table has a beautiful, protective varnish.
  • His politeness is just a varnish over a rude personality.

• Verb:

  • We need to varnish the wooden floor before we move the furniture in.
  • She tried to varnish the truth to make the story sound better.

Advanced Usage

• "To varnish over": To conceal or gloss over faults, problems, or unpleasant facts.
  • The report attempted to varnish over the company's financial difficulties.

Variants and Related Words

• Varnished (adj): Having a coating of varnish.

  • The varnished wood gleamed in the sunlight.

• Varnisher (n): A person who applies varnish.

  • The varnisher did an excellent job on the cabinet.

Synonyms

• Noun: Lacquer, glaze, polish, finish, gloss.
• Verb: Lacquer, glaze, polish, finish, gloss (over).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To take the varnish off": To reveal the unpleasant truth behind an attractive appearance.
  • His harsh criticism took the varnish off their perfect public image.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface

Verb

1. cover with varnish

Từ đồng nghĩa

• seal