"Tarnish" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Tarnish" Meaning

To spoil or ruin the appearance or reputation of something; to damage or impair the value or prestige of something.

Example: Her reputation was tarnished by the scandal.

"Tarnish" Examples

Examples of using the word "tarnish":

Example 1: Physical context

To tarnish metal means to cause it to lose its shine by forming a layer of oxide or tarnish on its surface. The metal jewelry laid in the open air began to tarnish over time, losing its luster.

Example 2: Figurative context

Her reputation began to tarnish when it was discovered that she had plagiarized parts of her thesis.

Example 3: Idiomatic expressions

- "What can tarnish the memory of such a great achievement?"
- This idiom suggests that nothing should bring shame or negative thoughts to a remarkable accomplishment.

- "She didn't mean to tarnish the reputation of her family."
- Here, "tarnish" is used to indicate damage to one's family's reputation.

Example 4: Business context

The company's decision to cut worker benefits has tarnished their brand in the eyes of the community.

Example 5: Psychological context

He tried to believe the rumors were just rumors and not let it tarnish his perception of the person who told him.