English Reference
verb · noun

mar

v. · n.
US /ˈmɑɹ/ UK /mˈɑː/ mar

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    v.to ruin or damage the quality or appearance of something.

    v.to damage or spoil the integrity, perfection, or appearance of something. Transitive; requires a direct object.

    Simple

    A large scratch marred the surface of the beautiful wooden table.

    In context

    The pristine landscape was marred by the sudden appearance of industrial pylons, which many locals felt ruined the valley's natural aesthetic.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    n.a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.

    n.a physical blemish, mark, or imperfection that detracts from the whole.

    Simple

    The old mirror had a small mar in the corner where the glass had chipped.

    In context

    Every tiny mar on the antique vase told a story of its long journey through several generations of the same family.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated