Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
tarnished
This term describes a loss of purity or brilliance, whether physical or moral. When applied to metals, it refers to the chemical process of oxidation that creates a dull film, stripping away the original shine. It suggests a state of neglect or the natural passage of time.
In a social or professional context, the word carries a heavy negative connotation of permanent damage. While a physical surface can be polished back to its original state, a tarnished reputation often implies a stain that is difficult or impossible to remove completely. It is frequently used in journalistic and legal registers to describe disgraced public figures or compromised legacies.
Meanings
Lost its luster or become discolored, typically referring to metal surfaces due to oxidation.
Damaged or disgraced, specifically referring to a reputation, image, or record.
The scandal left the politician's reputation permanently tarnished.
Examples
The silver spoons were tarnished from years of neglect.
My reputation is tarnished beyond repair after that scandal.
Look at this old mirror, the edges are all tarnished.
He feared that one mistake would leave his record tarnished.
The knight looked at his tarnished armor and sighed.
I cannot believe she let her family name become so tarnished.
The brass plaque was tarnished and barely legible.
Is there any way to fix a tarnished image in the eyes of the public?