Basic Details
Word: Tarnish
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
Meaning: As a verb: To lose or cause to lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture; to damage the good reputation of someone or something. As a noun: A dullness or discoloration on a surface, typically metal; loss of reputation or value.
Synonyms: Dull, stain, corrode, disgrace, taint, sully
Antonyms: Polish, shine, honor, purify, enhance, glorify
Idioms and Phrases
- Tarnish someone's reputation: To damage someone's image or public perception. Example: "The scandal tarnished the politician's reputation beyond repair."
- Let it tarnish: To allow something to lose its original quality or shine. Example: "He let his skills tarnish by not practicing regularly."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The silverware began to tarnish after being exposed to air for too long.
Example 2: The company's name was tarnished by the financial fraud scandal.
Example 3: Years of neglect had tarnished the once-beautiful statue.
Fun Fact
Did you know that "tarnish" comes from the Old French word *ternir*, meaning "to dull or make dim"? Originally used for metals like silver, the word evolved to include damage to a person's image or reputation.
Famous Quote
"Reputation is like fine china: once broken, it's very hard to repair, and easily tarnished." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tarnish" mean?
a) To clean something thoroughly
b) To polish metal
c) To damage or lose shine or reputation
d) To build something new
Answer: c) To damage or lose shine or reputation
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tarnish"?
a) Shine
b) Polish
c) Stain
d) Glorify
Answer: c) Stain
3. Which is an antonym of "tarnish"?
a) Sully
b) Dull
c) Enhance
d) Corrode
Answer: c) Enhance
4. Which sentence uses "tarnish" correctly?
a) The new paint job tarnished the old car.
b) Her lie tarnished her reputation.
c) He tarnished the floor with polish.
d) Tarnish is a way to grow metal.
Answer: b) Her lie tarnished her reputation.
5. What does the idiom "tarnish someone's reputation" mean?
a) To make someone famous
b) To make someone shine
c) To damage someone's public image
d) To give someone an award
Answer: c) To damage someone's public image
