tarnish
/ˈtɑɹnɪʃ/
Group 17Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To make or become less valuable or respected; to lose or cause to lose luster GRE
Example in Context
The scandal tarnished the institution's reputation so severely that it took a generation of reform to restore public trust.
Synonyms
damagestainruin
Etymology
To dull or lose luster, tarnishing something's value or appeal.
- ternere (Latin) — to make dull
Memory Aid
🔄Sounds like “turnish”
When you TURNISH your shiny trophy with mud, it becomes tarnished and sad!
Visual Association
🥇A once-shiny gold medal now covered in dirt, losing its glory and prestige.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “tarnish” mean on the GRE?
tarnish (verb) means “To make or become less valuable or respected; to lose or cause to lose luster”. The scandal tarnished the institution's reputation so severely that it took a generation of reform to restore public trust.
How to remember “tarnish” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “tarnish” sounds like “turnish”. When you TURNISH your shiny trophy with mud, it becomes tarnished and sad!
What are synonyms for “tarnish”?
Common synonyms: damage, stain, ruin.