Besmear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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besmear
[bɪsˈmɪr ]
Definition
application, spreading
To besmear means to smear or spread a substance over a surface or to dirty something. It can refer to the act of applying a thick or greasy layer of material, such as paint or food. The term often conveys a sense of messiness or undesirability regarding the application. It can also imply tarnishing someone's reputation or character by associating them with some form of dishonor or disgrace.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She decided to besmear the cake with chocolate icing.
- The kids besmeared the walls with crayons during their playtime.
- He was accused of trying to besmear the politician's image.
- The artist loved to besmear different colors on the canvas.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In poetry, the act of besmearing often symbolizes the concept of burden or the weight of emotional experiences.
- Writers sometimes use it metaphorically to describe actions, like 'besmearing reputations' in critiques.
- Literature featuring vivid imagery, such as paint or ink on a canvas, can evoke the idea of besmearing to represent chaotic creativity.
Art
- In art, to besmear can refer to techniques like impasto, where paint is thickly applied to create texture.
- Street artists often besmear walls with graffiti, transforming ordinary spaces into expressions of culture.
- The use of dark and light colors in art pieces can represent the act of besmearing, showcasing contrast in emotions.
Culinary
- In cooking, it's common to besmear butter or cream cheese on bagels for flavor.
- Different cultures have unique traditions of besmearing spreads or toppings on breads or pastries, reflecting local tastes.
- The technique of besmearing sauces on dishes can enhance the whole dining experience visually and taste-wise.
Psychology
- Sometimes, the word is used metaphorically in psychology to describe how negative experiences can 'besmear' one's view of the world.
- In therapeutic contexts, besmearing can refer to anchoring negative feelings to physical actions or sensory experiences.
- This term can also illustrate how conflicts can besmear relationships, needing resolution to clear up misunderstandings.
Origin of 'besmear'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'besmearan', meaning 'to smear over'.
- It combines the prefix 'be-' which suggests covering or 'around' and 'smear', which means to spread or mark.
- This word has been in usage since the 16th century, illustrating the lasting nature of its concept.
The word 'besmear' originates from the Old English word 'besmyrian,' which means 'to smear or spread on.' The prefix 'be-' in Old English often denotes intensification or completeness, while 'smear' comes from the Proto-Germanic root '*smerewaz,' meaning to apply a liquid or greasy substance. The usage of 'besmear' has evolved over time to encompass not only the physical act of spreading materials but also the figurative sense of damaging someone's reputation by spreading negative information. It captures both the physical and moral implications of making something dirty or tainted. Although not as commonly used today, it still carries a strong connotation of uncleanliness or slander.