Sully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คข
sully
[หsสli ]
Definitions
intransitive
damage the purity or integrity of; defile.
Synonyms
blemish, defile, pollute, stain, tarnish.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sully |
This word is often used to describe the act of damaging the purity or integrity of something, particularly a reputation. It has a negative connotation.
|
| tarnish |
Mostly used to talk about losing luster or shine, particularly metal, but also can refer to damaging someone's reputation over time. It has a negative connotation.
|
| stain |
Often used to describe leaving a mark that is hard to remove, especially on fabric or surfaces. Also used metaphorically for damaging someone's reputation or honor.
|
| blemish |
Commonly used to mention a small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something, particularly skin or an object. It can also metaphorically refer to a minor flaw or imperfection in someone's character.
|
| defile |
This term is used when talking about desecrating or making something filthy, especially in a sacred or respected context. It carries a strong negative connotation.
|
| pollute |
Used to describe the act of contaminating or making something dirty, typically referring to the environment, but it can also be used metaphorically.
|
Examples of usage
- the scandal had sullied his reputation
- an act that sullied the good name of the town
transitive
make something dirty or tarnished.
Synonyms
dirty, grime, mark, smudge, spot.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sully |
Typically used to describe tarnishing someone's reputation or something's purity. It has a negative connotation.
|
| dirty |
Commonly used to describe something that has become unclean. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical situations.
|
| smudge |
Describes a smeared or blurred spot, often created by rubbing something wet or oily.
|
| spot |
Used to describe a small, distinct area of dirt or stain. It has a neutral connotation.
|
| mark |
Generally used to indicate a visible impression or stain on a surface. This word has a neutral connotation.
|
| grime |
Refers to a layer of dirt, often oily or sticky, that builds up on surfaces over time.
|
Examples of usage
- the windows were sullied by fingerprints
- the river had been sullied by pollution
archaic
a place or act of corrupting or damaging someone's reputation.
Synonyms
blemish, defile, pollute, stain, tarnish.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sully |
Sully is often used when someone's reputation or honor is damaged, especially through dishonest or immoral actions.
|
| tarnish |
Tarnish is generally used to describe something losing its brightness or luster, especially metals. Metaphorically, it can be used to describe damage to someone's reputation.
|
| stain |
Stain refers to a mark made on something, usually accidentally and often difficult to remove. It can be used both literally (like on fabric) and metaphorically (such as on a reputation).
|
| blemish |
Blemish refers to a minor imperfection or flaw, both literal (like on the skin) and metaphorical (such as a slight defect in character).
|
| defile |
Defile means to make something dirty or impure, often with a strong negative or violent connotation. It can be used for both physical and moral corruption.
|
| pollute |
Pollute is used to describe the contamination of something, usually the environment, with harmful or poisonous substances.
|
Examples of usage
- the sullies of the world will try to tarnish your good name
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, characters often use 'sully' to describe the loss of innocence or honor, illustrating how external forces can taint purity.
- Shakespeare used variations of this word, reflecting themes of corruption and moral degradation in his plays.
Pop Culture
- The term 'sully' has been used in popular films to describe the tarnishing of a protagonist's reputation.
- A famous character, Sullivan (from 'Monsters, Inc.'), had to redeems his name when accused of being fierce, showing how one can sully a good image.
Psychology
- The feeling of being sully can relate to guilt, as people often feel they have sullied their image after making mistakes.
- Sully effects can create anxiety for individuals concerned about how their actions may tarnish their reputation in social situations.
History
- Throughout history, leaders and nations have faced scandals that sully their legacies, showing how public perception can change drastically.
- Many historical artworks depict battles and events that sullied beliefs or systems, used to evoke strong emotions in audiences.
Origin of 'sully'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Old French word 'sullier,' which means 'to defile or to dirty.'
- The original root can be traced back to the Latin word 'sullen,' which means 'to make dirty.'
- It has been used in English since the 15th century, carrying the same meaning of making something less pure.
The word 'sully' originated from Middle English 'sulien', which came from Old French 'souiller' meaning 'to soil, dirty, pollute'. The sense of 'damage the purity or integrity of' dates back to the late 16th century. Over time, 'sully' has evolved to encompass both physical and metaphorical tarnishing or defiling.