Langimage
English

tarnished

|tar/nished|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈtɑrnɪʃt/

🇬🇧

/ˈtɑːnɪʃt/

(tarnish)

dull or damage

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounAdjective
tarnishtarnishestarnishestarnishedtarnishedtarnishingtarnishmenttarnished
Etymology
Etymology Information

'tarnish' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'tarnishen,' where 'tarn-' meant 'to dull or stain.'

Historical Evolution

'tarnishen' transformed into the modern English word 'tarnish' through Old French 'ternir.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to dull or stain,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

past tense or past participle form of 'tarnish'.

The reputation of the company was tarnished by the scandal.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

having lost its luster or shine; dulled or discolored.

The once shiny silverware is now tarnished.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45