Sullied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sullied
[ËsĘl.iËd ]
Definition
moral context
Sullied refers to the act of making something dirty or tarnished, particularly in a metaphorical sense. When someone's reputation is sullied, it means it has been damaged or stained by negative actions or events. This term often conveys a sense of loss of purity or integrity. It can also imply a betrayal of trust, where something once considered pristine has been compromised.
Synonyms
blemished, defiled, stained, tainted.
Examples of usage
- His betrayal sullied her trust.
- The scandal sullied the politician's image.
- Their actions sullied the reputation of the organization.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often face sullied reputations due to scandal, representing how public opinion can change swiftly.
- Many authors symbolize purity with a contrasting sullied state, enhancing themes of redemption or moral corruption.
- Classic literature frequently ties the idea of being sullied to loss of innocence, exploring deep emotional struggles.
Psychology
- Research shows that once someone's reputation is sullied, recovery can be challenging, highlighting the importance of perception.
- Cognitive biases make people more likely to remember negative traits, often leading to a sullied image that can overshadow positive attributes.
- Feelings of shame and guilt related to being sullied can affect mental health, as individuals grapple with public and self-perception.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters who begin with a clean image often suffer a downfall that sullies their reputation, creating a rags-to-riches story arc.
- Songs frequently explore themes of sullied love or relationships, portraying the pain of betrayal and loss of purity.
- The media often picks up on scandals that sully public figures, illustrating the public's fascination with fall from grace narratives.
Environmental Science
- Pollution is often described as sullying nature, emphasizing the impact of human activities on previously pristine environments.
- Efforts to restore sullied landscapes include clean-up initiatives and sustainable practices to revive ecosystems.
- The concept of a sullied environment ties into discussions about ecological responsibility and the importance of preserving nature.
Origin of 'sullied'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sullied' comes from the Middle English word 'sulien,' meaning to make dirty.
- It has roots in the Old French 'souiller,' which also means to defile or stain.
- The word has been used in English poetry since the 15th century to describe pollution or corruption.
The word 'sullied' comes from the Middle English 'sullien,' which is derived from the Old French 'sullir' meaning to spoil or make dirty. The term has its roots in the Latin 'sullare,' where 'sullus' translates to 'dirty' or 'soiled.' Over time, its usage has evolved to encompass not just physical dirtiness but also metaphorical states of being tainted or corrupted. The term is often used in literary contexts to evoke strong imagery related to purity and integrity, thus deepening its impact in modern language. It carries connotations of betrayal or loss, particularly in emotional or moral discussions.