refurbishment
UK[ˌriːˈfɜːbɪʃmənt]US[ˌriːˈfɜːrbɪʃmənt]
n
The process of renovating and redecorating something, especially a building, to make it look new again.
n
The act of repairing and improving a machine or device to a good standard.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
furbish
ment
re
again
furbish
to polish
ment
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'refurbishment' is built upon the verb 'furbish,' which entered English from Old French and originally meant to polish or burnish armor or weapons. The Latin prefix 're-' (meaning 'again') was added to indicate the action of polishing or renovating something once more, restoring it to a good condition. The suffix '-ment,' of Latin origin, transforms the action into a noun denoting the process or result. Thus, the literal morphemic logic of "polishing again" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of comprehensive renovation and improvement, particularly of buildings or equipment.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + furbish (to polish) + ment (noun suffix)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back."
furbish: From Old French forbir, of Germanic origin, meaning "to polish, burnish, or renovate."
ment: Latin origin (-mentum), a suffix forming nouns that denote an action, process, or result.
Examples
The hotel is closed for a complete refurbishment of its guest rooms and lobby.
The refurbishment of the old theater brought it back to its former glory.
After a thorough refurbishment, the vintage car looked and ran like new.