Basic Details
Word: Tarnish
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something lose its shine or brightness, often because of a chemical reaction.
Synonyms: Pollute, dull, stain
Antonyms: Shine, brighten, polish
Idioms and Phrases
- Tarnish one's reputation: Referring to an action that damages someone's good name. Example: "His careless remarks tarnished his reputation among his colleagues."
- Don't let it tarnish your joy: A reminder not to let negative things affect your happiness. Example: "She told him not to let the bad news tarnish his joy for the party."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The silver spoon began to tarnish after being left out in the open for too long.
Example 2: If you do not clean your jewellery regularly, it may tarnish and lose its shine.
Example 3: The artist was worried that negative reviews might tarnish his creativity and enthusiasm.
Fun Fact
The term "tarnish" comes from the Old French word "etarnir," which means "to lose brightness." It is often used to describe the dulling of metals like silver and copper.
Famous Quote
"Reputation is like a glass: once broken, it can rarely be repaired." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tarnish" mean?
a) To make something shiny
b) To make something lose its shine
c) To clean something
d) To make something stronger
Answer: b) To make something lose its shine
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tarnish"?
a) Brighten
b) Shine
c) Dull
d) Polished
Answer: c) Dull
3. What is an antonym of "tarnish"?
a) Dull
b) Clean
c) Diminish
d) Shine
Answer: d) Shine
4. Which sentence uses "tarnish" correctly?
a) The sun will tarnish my plants.
b) She polished the table to keep it from tarnishing.
c) I will tarnish my homework on time.
d) It can tarnish when it rains.
Answer: b) She polished the table to keep it from tarnishing.
5. What does it mean to "tarnish one's reputation"?
a) To make one's reputation shine brighter
b) To damage one's good name
c) To promote someone's achievements
d) To ignore someone's past
Answer: b) To damage one's good name
