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tarnishto 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

tarnish concept
💡 Concept

Reputation becomes tarnished and dull

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tarnish rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

Fresh garnish on plates that tarnish, while wood loses its varnish.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈtɑːrnɪʃ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈtɑːnɪʃ/

🌳Etymology

Roottarnish

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.

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🎵Rhyme

garnishvarnish
garnish
varnish

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📝Examples

His habit of arriving late began to tarnish his professional image.

😄 Fun example

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.

😄 Fun example

The chef's reputation was tarnished when customers found out he couldn't even boil water properly.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

discolorstainsullyblemishcorrupt

Antonyms

polishbrightenenhance

Related

rustoxidizecorrodedeterioratedegrade