Tarnished - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Tarnished means to lose shine or become discolored, especially on metal surfaces due to oxidation or dirt. It can also describe a damaged reputation or diminished quality.
Definition:
Made less valuable or respected, often due to damage or disgrace.
Synonyms:
stained, sullied, tainted, blemished
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (past tense)
Antonyms:
polished, honored
Common Collocations:
tarnished reputation, tarnished silver, tarnished image
Derivatives:
tarnish (verb/noun), tarnishing (gerund)
Usage Tips:
Use "tarnished" for metals losing shine or reputations damaged by scandal or neglect.
Common Phrases:
tarnished legacy, tarnished gold, tarnished pride
Etymology:
From Old French *ternir* (to dull), influenced by *terne* (dull, dark).
Examples:
- 1. The old silverware was badly tarnished after years of neglect.
- 2. Her reputation was tarnished by the false accusations.
- 3. He polished the tarnished brass until it shone brightly.
- 4. The scandal left his once-pristine image thoroughly tarnished.
- 5. Rain and humidity quickly tarnished the unprotected copper roof.