Which of the following actions is similar to 'burnish'?

The term 'burnish' refers to the process of polishing a surface to enhance its smoothness and shine, often using a tool or cloth to create a glossy finish. This action involves applying pressure to the surface, which is somewhat similar to the act of polishing, where one uses friction to improve the appearance of a material.

In the context of the choices provided, polishing is directly related to burnishing since both actions aim to improve the surface quality and aesthetic appeal of an item. While other actions like shining might appear related, polishing specifically encompasses the physical process of smoothing and refining a surface to achieve a gleaming result, which aligns perfectly with the definition of burnishing.

This understanding of burnishing means recognizing that it isn’t just about creating shine but involves a detailed refinement process, which is precisely what polishing achieves, making it the correct answer.