Tarnished: meaning, definitions and examples

Tarnished is often used to describe metals that have lost their shine and become discolored due to exposure to air or moisture. It can also refer to a reputation or image that has been damaged.

• The family heirlooms appeared tarnished after years in storage.
• The CEO's image was tarnished following the company's financial collapse.

Dull can be used to describe objects that lack brightness or shine, as well as to describe sounds, colors, or even actions that are not interesting or exciting.

• The knife has become dull and can't cut through anything.
• The movie was quite dull and didn't hold my interest.

Stained is used to describe items that have marks or discoloration due to contact with a foreign substance. It can also be used metaphorically to talk about damage to one's reputation.

• The white shirt was stained with red wine.
• His honor was stained by his deceitful actions.

Oxidized is a term used in chemistry to describe the process where a material (usually a metal) combines with oxygen, resulting in a change in its properties. This often results in rust or a similar discoloration.

• The copper pipes have oxidized, giving them a greenish tint.

Refer to previous entry for 'tarnished'.

Use 'damage' to refer to something that has been physically harmed or broken, as well as for non-physical harm such as emotional distress or reputational harm. This word is neutral and widely applicable.

• The storm caused a lot of damage to the houses in the area.
• The negative reviews really damaged the company's reputation.

Use 'sully' to imply that something has been dirtied or spoiled, often in a metaphorical or moral sense. This word has a strong negative connotation.

• They attempted to sully his good name with false accusations.
• The oil spill sullied the pristine coastline.

Use 'stain' to describe a mark or discoloration that is hard to clean, particularly on fabric or surfaces. It can also mean a lasting negative mark on one's reputation or character.

• I spilled coffee on my shirt and now it has a big stain.
• The scandal left a permanent stain on his political career.