Word
patina
Phoneticspati·na
US/pəˈtinə/
UK/pˈætɪnɐ/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a thin layer that forms on the surface of something old, like the green color on copper or the shine on old wood. It can also describe a feeling or look that someone has on the outside.
n. a thin layer that forms on the surface of a metal, wood, or stone object through age, exposure, or use. Often used metaphorically to describe a superficial appearance or impression that masks a different underlying reality.
Examples
“The old copper statue has a beautiful green patina.”
“The antique table had developed a rich patina over decades of polishing and daily use.”
“Despite his professional patina of confidence, the young executive felt deeply unqualified for the responsibility of managing such a large international team.”
Examples
simple
“The old copper statue has a beautiful green patina.”
contextual
“The antique table had developed a rich patina over decades of polishing and daily use.”
complex
“Despite his professional patina of confidence, the young executive felt deeply unqualified for the responsibility of managing such a large international team.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “patina” in context.
Verb
01. acquire patina
“Good leather will acquire a rich patina as it ages.”
verb + noun
02. develop patina
“The silver coins began to develop a dark patina after exposure to the air.”
verb + noun
03. patina forms
“A protective patina forms on the surface of the metal to prevent further corrosion.”
noun + verb
04. patina obscures
“A thick patina of dust obscured the true value of the painting.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. glossy patina
“Years of polishing had given the mahogany desk a deep, glossy patina.”
adj + noun
06. greenish patina
“The copper roof had developed a distinctive greenish patina over the decades.”
adj + noun
07. intellectual patina
“He tried to give his populist arguments a thin intellectual patina.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. layer of patina
“A thin layer of patina protected the ancient bronze artifacts.”
noun + prep + noun
09. patina of respectability
“The company used charity work to provide a patina of respectability to its operations.”
noun + prep + noun
10. add a patina of
“The vintage lighting adds a patina of age to the modern apartment.”
11. give a patina of
“His sophisticated vocabulary gave a patina of truth to his lies.”
12. hidden under a patina
“The original colors were hidden under a thick patina of grime.”
Usage
Countable when referring to a specific layer; uncountable when referring to the general quality of age.
Real-World Examples
“The jackets over time develop a shabby patina, lending them a charmingly dishevelled character – there is traditionally a cachet attached to the well-worn Barbour.” “Even bronze statues would have been much brighter than their dark brown appearance suggests today: bronze acquires a patina over time.” “An art installation worth more than $1m (£624,000) has been damaged by an overzealous cleaner who tried to scrub away a deliberate patina.” “The bluish-green patina that forms on the surface of bronze objects over time, due to oxidation, gives the metal artwork its unique look.” Etymology
Borrowed from Italian patina, from Latin patina (“dish, pan”), itself a borrowing from Ancient Greek πατάνη (patánē), either from Proto-Indo-European *peth₂- (“to spread”) or from Pre-Greek. Doublet of paten, patena, and patine.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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