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Tarnished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tarnished

[ˈtɑːnɪʃt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Diminished or lacking luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture.

Synonyms

dull, oxidized, stained.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tarnished

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

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

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • The once shiny silver necklace looked tarnished after years of neglect.
  • The tarnished brass doorknob had lost its original shine.
  • The tarnished mirror reflected a blurry image.
Context #2 | Verb

reputation

Damage or harm the good quality or reputation of something or someone.

Synonyms

damage, stain, sully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tarnished

Refer to previous entry for 'tarnished'.
damage

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.
sully

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.
stain

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.

Examples of usage

  • The scandal tarnished the politician's reputation.
  • The dishonest action tarnished the company's image.
  • His behavior tarnished the team's success.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'tarnished'

The word 'tarnished' originated from the Middle English word 'tarnishen', which in turn came from the Old French word 'tarniss-', a stem of the verb 'tarnir' meaning 'to dull, darken'. The sense of 'tarnish' as we know it today first appeared in the 16th century.

See also: tarnishing, untarnished.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,443, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.