Sully: meaning, definitions and examples

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sully

[ˈsʌli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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. His actions have sullied his good name The scandal sullied the company's image
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. Silverware tarnishes if not polished regularly His actions have tarnished his legacy
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. The wine left a stain on the carpet The scandal left a stain on his career
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. The mirror had a small blemish Despite his achievements, a single blemish tainted his career
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. The vandals defiled the church She felt as though the argument had defiled their friendship
pollute	Used to describe the act of contaminating or making something dirty, typically referring to the environment, but it can also be used metaphorically. Factories that pollute the air and water Don't let negative thoughts pollute your mind

Examples of usage

the scandal had sullied his reputation
an act that sullied the good name of the town

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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. False accusations can sully a person’s good name. The scandal has sullied the company's image.
dirty	Commonly used to describe something that has become unclean. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical situations. His clothes became dirty after playing in the mud. She didn't want to dirty her hands with dishonest work.
smudge	Describes a smeared or blurred spot, often created by rubbing something wet or oily. She got a smudge of ink on her fingers. The window had a smudge from where someone had touched it.
spot	Used to describe a small, distinct area of dirt or stain. It has a neutral connotation. There was a chocolate spot on his shirt. She noticed a spot of mud on the carpet.
mark	Generally used to indicate a visible impression or stain on a surface. This word has a neutral connotation. There was a mark on the wall where the picture used to hang. He left a mark on the table with his pen.
grime	Refers to a layer of dirt, often oily or sticky, that builds up on surfaces over time. The windows were covered in grime from years of neglect. After cleaning, there was still some grime left on the floor.

Examples of usage

the windows were sullied by fingerprints
the river had been sullied by pollution

^{Context #3 | Noun}

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. His good name was sullied by the scandal. They sullied her reputation with false accusations.
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. The silver coin had tarnished over time. Years of mismanagement had tarnished the company's image.
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). She tried to remove the wine stain from her dress. The scandal left a permanent stain on his legacy.
blemish	Blemish refers to a minor imperfection or flaw, both literal (like on the skin) and metaphorical (such as a slight defect in character). The beautiful painting had a small blemish in the corner. His spotless record had a single blemish from a minor incident.
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. The sacred shrine was defiled by vandals. They accused him of attempting to defile the innocence of the community.
pollute	Pollute is used to describe the contamination of something, usually the environment, with harmful or poisonous substances. Factories that pollute the air should be heavily fined. The river was polluted by toxic waste from the plant.

Examples of usage

the sullies of the world will try to tarnish your good name

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "sully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manchar

🇮🇳 कलंकित करना

🇩🇪 beschmutzen

🇮🇩 mengotori

🇺🇦 паплюжити

🇵🇱 kaleczyć

🇯🇵 汚す (けがす)

🇫🇷 salir

🇪🇸 manchar

🇹🇷 lekelemek

🇰🇷 더럽히다

🇸🇦 يلوث

🇨🇿 pošpinit

🇸🇰 pošpiniť

🇨🇳 弄脏 (nòng zāng)

🇸🇮 umazati

🇮🇸 saurga

🇰🇿 ластап кетіру

🇬🇪 დაბინძურება

🇦🇿 ləkələmək

🇲🇽 manchar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,182 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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31179 cartographer
31180 elfin
31181 ambrosia
31182 sully
31183 tactless
31184 outback
31185 madrigal
...