untarnished
/' n't :ni t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Not tarnished; remaining bright, clean, or pure: Refers to a physical object that has not lost its luster or become discolored. 2. Free from damage, blemish, or moral stain; impeccable: Used figuratively to describe a reputation, record, or character that remains perfect and unspoiled.
Usage
The word "untarnished" is used to describe something that has maintained its original, perfect state without any deterioration or damage. It is often applied to abstract concepts like reputations, legacies, or ideals. - It is a formal and positive adjective. - Common collocations include: untarnished reputation, untarnished record, untarnished image, untarnished metal.
Examples
- Describing a reputation:
- Despite the scandal, she left the company with her professional reputation completely untarnished.
- He has an untarnished record of public service spanning three decades.
- Describing a physical object:
- The silverware, stored carefully for a century, remained untarnished and brilliant.
- The old coin was surprisingly untarnished after being buried for so long.
Advanced Usage
- "Untarnished by...": This phrase is used to specify what potential source of damage or stain has been avoided.
- His legacy is untarnished by the failures of his successors.
- The athlete's victory was untarnished by any allegations of doping.
Variants and Related Words
- Tarnish (verb): To lose luster; to discolor; to damage or sully (a reputation).
- The scandal threatened to tarnish the institution's good name.
- Untarnishable (adjective): (Less common) Incapable of being tarnished.
- Unsullied (adjective): A close synonym, meaning not soiled or tainted. Often used interchangeably with "untarnished" for reputations.
- She maintained an unsullied reputation for integrity.
Synonyms
- Unblemished: Free from flaws or defects.
- Immaculate: Perfectly clean, neat, or tidy; free from flaws.
- Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.
- Spotless: Absolutely clean or pure; free from moral stain.
Antonyms
- Tarnished: Discolored or stained; having a damaged reputation.
- Sullied: Tarnished or disgraced.
- Blemished: Spoiled or flawed.
- Tainted: Contaminated or corrupted.
Adjective
- (of reputation) free from blemishes
- his unsullied name
- an untarnished reputation