furnish
/ˈfɜːrnɪʃ/
verb
Origin
Old French
furnir — to complete, perform, supply
Overview
Meaning Now
- To provide or supply someone with something necessary or useful.
- To equip a room, building, or house with furniture and other fittings.
Literal older meaning
to provide with what is necessary
Language path
Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
furnisshen
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word entered English during the Middle English period, reflecting the influence of French terminology on administration and household management. It ultimately derives from a Germanic root linked to accomplishing tasks, which evolved into the notion of fulfilling requirements by providing necessary items.
Evolution
- Frankish
*frumjan
“to execute, perform”
- Old French
furnir
“to complete, to carry out”
Base for the present participle stem furniss-
- Middle English
furnisshen
“to complete, equip”
Adopted into Middle English from the Old French stem
Connections
Word parts
furnish
root
to equip or supply
Related across languages
French
fournir
to provide, supply
Spanish
furnir
to finish or complete (archaic)
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Related to furnish
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.