Tarnish Meaning in English
word
ˈtɑɹnɪʃ
TAR-nish
tˈɑːnɪʃ
TAH-nish
Definition
To lose shine or brightness, especially on metal surfaces; also, to make something less respected or to harm a good reputation.
Usage & Nuances
Common for metals like silver, 'tarnish' also means to damage someone's image ('tarnish a reputation'). Formal or neutral in tone. Do not use for physical dirt or rust. Often found in news ('scandal that tarnished his career').
Spanish: deslucir - empañar - manchar (reputación)Portuguese (BR): enferrujar - manchar (reputação) - perder o brilhoPortuguese (PT): manchar - perder o brilho - danificar (reputação)Chinese (Simplified): 失去光泽 - 玷污 (名誉)Chinese (Traditional): 失去光澤 - 玷污 (名譽)Hindi: धुंधला करना - कलंकित करनाArabic: تشويه - لطخ (السمعة)Bengali: ঝকঝকে ভাব হারানো - মর্যাদা ক্ষুণ্ণ করাRussian: потускнеть - запятнать (репутацию)Japanese: 曇らせる - 評判を落とすVietnamese: làm xỉn màu - làm hoen ố (danh tiếng)Korean: 변색시키다 - 명성을 더럽히다Turkish: karartmak - itibarını zedelemekUrdu: دھندلا دینا - بدنام کرناIndonesian: menodai - merusak (reputasi) - membuat kusam
Example Sentences
The silver started to tarnish after being left outside.
basic
Harsh chemicals can tarnish metal jewelry.
basic
The scandal could tarnish his good reputation.
basic
Be careful with those old coins—they tarnish really fast if not stored right.
natural
He doesn't want anything to tarnish his record at work.
natural
They tried to tarnish her image, but people still supported her.
natural