Meaning of "tarnish" in English

"Tarnish" refers to the loss of luster, shine, or purity, often impacting metals such as silver by forming a dull coating through oxidation. Figuratively, it represents damaging or ruining a reputation, causing dullness or a decline in value and respect. An object becomes less bright, and a person's standing can suffer. The term conveys negativity, highlighting deterioration or decline.

Meaning of "ternissure" in French

In French, "ternissure" characterizes the process of losing brightness or brilliance, specifically in materials such as metals. It denotes the surface degradation due to oxidation, leading to a dull or tarnished appearance. Metaphorically, "ternissure" signifies harm to one's reputation, damaging credibility or honor. It emphasizes the degradation of both physical objects and intangible qualities like integrity or esteem.

Pronunciation of "tarnish" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [ˈtär-nish]

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "tarnish" generally remains consistent across English-speaking regions, with slight variations in accent or tone.

Pronunciation of "ternissure" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [tɛʁ.ni.syʁ]

Pronunciation Variations: "Ternissure" is typically pronounced uniformly throughout French-speaking areas, with minor differences in intonation or accent.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The silver began to tarnish after being exposed to the air. (L'argent a commencé à se ternir après avoir été exposé à l'air.)

  2. Her reputation was tarnished by the scandal. (Sa réputation a été ternie par le scandale.)

  3. Over time, the old painting tarnished significantly. (Avec le temps, le vieux tableau s'est considérablement terni.)

  4. He was worried that the incident would tarnish his career. (Il craignait que l'incident ne ternirait sa carrière.)

  5. The copper pot tarnished when left outside. (Le pot en cuivre s'est terni quand il a été laissé à l'extérieur.)

  6. Rumors can tarnish a person's good name. (Les rumeurs peuvent ternir une bonne réputation.)

  7. The neglect caused the statue to tarnish. (La négligence a causé la ternissure de la statue.)

  8. The company’s image was tarnished by the accusations. (L'image de l'entreprise a été ternie par les accusations.)

  9. Jewelry can tarnish if not stored properly. (Les bijoux peuvent se ternir s'ils ne sont pas stockés correctement.)

  10. The controversy tarnished the film director's legacy. (La controverse a terni l'héritage du réalisateur.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "tarnish" in English

Synonyms: dull, stain, blemish, mar, corrode, damage, sully, taint, impair, discolor.

Antonyms: polish, brighten, enhance, improve, purify, clean, shine, refurbish, augment, cleanse.

Similar Words: fade, rust, blot, deface, degrade, smudge, discolor, soil, blacken, oxidize.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "ternissure" in French

Synonyms: salissure, décoloration, altération, corruption, oxydation, souillure, abîme, dégradation, flétrissure, déperdition.

Antonyms: éclat, purification, polissage, nettoyage, amélioration, amélioration, brillance, amélioration, augmentation, redoration.

Similar Words: ternissement, défraîchissement, vieillissement, rouille, effacement, noircissement, opacification, affadissement, souillure, détérioration.

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