Word
tarnish
Phoneticstar·nish, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɑɹnɪʃ/
UK/tˈɑːnɪʃ/
Definition
n. a thin layer of dark stuff that covers a metal surface and makes it look dull. It is usually caused by air or water.
n. a thin layer of oxide or other substance that forms on a metal surface, causing it to lose its luster. Often used in the context of silver or gold.
Examples
“The silver spoon has a thin layer of tarnish.”
“To keep your jewelry looking bright, you should clean it regularly to prevent tarnish from building up.”
“The antique silverware was carefully polished to remove centuries of tarnish, revealing the intricate patterns that had been hidden beneath the darkened surface.”
Examples
simple
“The silver spoon has a thin layer of tarnish.”
contextual
“To keep your jewelry looking bright, you should clean it regularly to prevent tarnish from building up.”
complex
“The antique silverware was carefully polished to remove centuries of tarnish, revealing the intricate patterns that had been hidden beneath the darkened surface.”
Real-World Examples
“Some will simply feel sad at the tarnishing of memories.” Etymology
From Middle English ternysshen, from Old French terniss-, stem of ternir (“to make dim, make wan”), borrowed from Old High German ternen, tarnen, from Proto-West Germanic darnijan (“to conceal”). Doublet of dern and darn.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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