blemish
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small mark, spot, or flaw that makes something look less perfect.
n.a localized physical flaw or imperfection that detracts from the aesthetic appearance of a surface or object.
Simple“The apple was perfect except for one small brown blemish on its skin.”
In context“The quality control team rejected any smartphone casing that showed even a microscopic blemish or scratch on the polished finish.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a mistake or bad quality that spoils someone's reputation or character.
n.a figurative defect or moral failing that tarnishes an otherwise positive reputation or record.
Simple“The scandal was the only blemish on the politician's long and successful career.”
In context“Until the recent allegations surfaced, his professional record had been without blemish, earning him the trust of the entire board.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to spoil the appearance or quality of something.
v.to mar or despoil the physical appearance or figurative integrity of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“A series of small errors began to blemish the company's reputation for excellence.”
In context“The architect argued that adding a modern glass wing would blemish the historical integrity of the eighteenth-century manor.”
From Middle English blemisshen, blemissen, from Old French blemiss-, stem of Old French blemir, blesmir (“make pale, injure, wound, bruise”) (French blêmir), from Old Frankish blesmijan, blasmijan (“to make pale”), from Old Frankish blasmī (“pale”), from Proto-Germanic blasaz (“white, pale”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- (“to shine”). Cognate with Dutch bles (“white spot”), German blass (“pale”), Old English āblered (“bare, uncovered, bald, shaven”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.