# mar

/ˈmɑɹ/ (US) · /mˈɑː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mar
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to spoil or damage

verb · CEFR B2 · Literary

to ruin or damage the quality or appearance of something.

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

- A large scratch marred the surface of the beautiful wooden table.
- The pristine landscape was marred by the sudden appearance of industrial pylons, which many locals felt ruined the valley's natural aesthetic.

### 2. a blemish

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.

For teachers: a physical blemish, mark, or imperfection that detracts from the whole.

- The old mirror had a small mar in the corner where the glass had chipped.
- Every tiny mar on the antique vase told a story of its long journey through several generations of the same family.

## Examples

- A small scratch will mar the surface of the table.
- The beautiful view was marred by the construction of several large, grey apartment buildings.
- The director's latest film is a masterpiece, though some critics argue that the final scene is marred by an unnecessarily sentimental tone.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.