Tarnish
mediumNegative toneTAR-nish
verb
Definition
to spoil or damage (a reputation); to dull a surface's luster
Memory hook
TARNISH: imagine TAR splashed on a shiny trophy — it dulls the metal and ruins its gleaming reputation.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The corruption scandal tarnished a reputation he had spent decades building.”
“Left unpolished, the silver candlesticks began to tarnish in the damp cellar.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The corruption scandal ______ a reputation he had spent decades building.”
Show answer
tarnished
Categories
GRE Tip
Tarnish is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "sully" or "besmirch" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "enhance".
Related GRE Words
stigma
a mark of disgrace or shame
adulterate
To make something poorer in quality by adding another substance
caustic
bitingly sarcastic or sharply critical (also chemically corrosive)
condone
to overlook, forgive, or tacitly approve of an offense
derivative
unoriginal; imitative of someone else's work
eminent
Famous and respected within a particular field; outstanding
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