tarnish — to make or become dull, discolored, or spoiled
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make or become dull, discolored, or spoiled
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɑːrnɪʃ/
Korean meaning: (금속이) 변색되다, 흐려지다; (명성 등을) 더럽히다
Korean pronunciation: 타르-니쉬 (강세: 타르)
Example Sentences
- His habit of arriving late began to tarnish his professional image.
- The politician's scandal tarnished his party's reputation faster than a penny in acid rain.
- My grandmother's jewelry box was full of tarnished treasures that needed polishing.
tarnish
VERB//ˈtɑːrnɪʃ//
to make or become dull, discolored, or spoiled
Reputation becomes tarnished and dull
Tar-nish the knight — once bright, now a sticky sight!
Fresh garnish on plates that tarnish, while wood loses its varnish.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'ternir' meaning 'to dull' or 'to make dim', likely from a Frankish or Germanic root related to darkness or dullness. The word entered Middle English and underwent semantic expansion to include discoloration and spoilage.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His habit of arriving late began to tarnish his professional image.”
“The politician's scandal tarnished his party's reputation faster than a penny in acid rain.”
“My grandmother's jewelry box was full of tarnished treasures that needed polishing.”
“The chef's reputation was tarnished when customers found out he couldn't even boil water properly.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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