C1 verb Formel

blemish

/ˈblɛm.ɪʃ/

To spoil or damage the perfection, quality, or appearance of something, often by adding a physical mark or a moral flaw. It is frequently used figuratively to describe the act of tarnishing a person's reputation or a clean record of achievement.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

A single scratch on the hood of the luxury car will blemish its overall aesthetic value.

A single scratch on the hood of the luxury car will blemish its overall aesthetic value.

2

The committee was concerned that any hint of scandal might blemish the institution's long-standing reputation.

The committee was concerned that any hint of scandal might blemish the institution's long-standing reputation.

3

Don't let that one small argument blemish what has been a fantastic weekend.

Don't let that one small argument blemish what has been a fantastic weekend.

Famille de mots

Nom
blemish
Verb
blemish
Adjectif
blemished
Apparenté
unblemishedness
💡

Astuce mémo

Think of the word 'blame' mixed with 'finish'. If you get the 'blame' for a mistake, it might 'finish' (blemish) your perfect record.

Quiz rapide

The minor legal infraction threatened to _______ his otherwise perfect professional record.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : a

Exemples

1

A single scratch on the hood of the luxury car will blemish its overall aesthetic value.

everyday

A single scratch on the hood of the luxury car will blemish its overall aesthetic value.

2

The committee was concerned that any hint of scandal might blemish the institution's long-standing reputation.

formal

The committee was concerned that any hint of scandal might blemish the institution's long-standing reputation.

3

Don't let that one small argument blemish what has been a fantastic weekend.

informal

Don't let that one small argument blemish what has been a fantastic weekend.

4

Scholars argue that certain historical inaccuracies blemish the overall validity of the primary source.

academic

Scholars argue that certain historical inaccuracies blemish the overall validity of the primary source.

5

The late delivery threatened to blemish the company's track record for reliability in the international market.

business

The late delivery threatened to blemish the company's track record for reliability in the international market.

Famille de mots

Nom
blemish
Verb
blemish
Adjectif
blemished
Apparenté
unblemishedness

Collocations courantes

blemish a reputation to damage a person's good name
blemish a record to spoil a perfect history or track record
seriously blemish to cause significant damage to the quality of something
blemish the surface to physically mark or scar the exterior
blemish a career to ruin or stain a professional standing

Phrases Courantes

unblemished record

a perfect history with no mistakes or crimes

without a blemish

perfectly clean, pure, or without flaws

blemish one's copybook

to do something that spoils your reputation (British idiom)

Souvent confondu avec

blemish vs blame

Blemish refers to a flaw or the act of marking something; blame is the act of assigning responsibility for a fault.

blemish vs blotch

A blotch is specifically a large, irregular patch of color, whereas a blemish is any small flaw or a figurative stain on character.

📝

Notes d'usage

Blemish is most effective when describing a loss of perfection. While it can describe physical marks (like skin spots or metal scratches), it is highly valued in C1-level English for describing abstract concepts like integrity, reputations, or academic records.

⚠️

Erreurs courantes

Learners often limit 'blemish' to skincare contexts. Remember that in professional and academic settings, it is a powerful verb for describing damage to abstract ideals like 'purity' or 'truth'.

💡

Astuce mémo

Think of the word 'blame' mixed with 'finish'. If you get the 'blame' for a mistake, it might 'finish' (blemish) your perfect record.

📖

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle English 'blemisshen', from Old French 'blemiss-', a stem of 'blemir' meaning 'to make pale' or 'to injure'.

Modèles grammaticaux

Transitive verb: requires a direct object (e.g., 'to blemish something'). Often used in the passive voice (e.g., 'The surface was blemished'). Regular conjugation: blemish, blemished, blemished.
🌍

Contexte culturel

In Western corporate culture, maintaining an 'unblemished record' is a common phrase used during background checks and performance reviews to signify total reliability.

Quiz rapide

The minor legal infraction threatened to _______ his otherwise perfect professional record.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : a

Mots lis

bristling

B2

To bristle means to have hair or fur stand up away from the skin, typically due to fear or anger. Figuratively, it describes being covered with or full of something, or showing sharp annoyance or defensiveness.

broadcaster

B2

A broadcaster is a person or an organization that transmits programs or information via radio or television. It can refer to a large corporation that owns media channels or the individual presenter who speaks on air.

broadminded

B2

Describes someone who is willing to accept or tolerate beliefs, behaviors, or lifestyles that differ from their own. It implies a lack of prejudice and a receptiveness to new ideas or unconventional opinions.

broadside

B2

To broadside means to hit or collide with the side of something, most commonly a vehicle. Metaphorically, it refers to launching a sudden, forceful, and often public verbal or written attack against someone or something.

brogue

B2

To speak with a strong regional accent, typically an Irish or Scottish one, or to fit a person or shoe with traditional heavy leather decorative patterns. As a verb, it describes the act of imbuing speech with a melodic lilt or wearing sturdy, perforated footwear.

broke

B2

To be without money; experiencing a complete lack of funds, often used to describe a temporary state before one receives a paycheck or more money. In a broader context, it can describe a business that has become insolvent or bankrupt.

bromine

B2

Bromine is a chemical element that appears as a dark reddish-brown liquid at room temperature and is part of the halogen group. It is known for its pungent odor and is primarily used in industrial chemicals, flame retardants, and as a disinfectant in swimming pools and spas.

bronchitis

B2

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored, and experience difficulty breathing.

brooch

B2

A brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry that is designed to be attached to a person's clothing. It features a pin on the back to fasten it securely to a garment, often serving as both an ornament and a functional clasp.

brook

B2

To tolerate, endure, or allow something, especially something unpleasant or oppositional. It is most frequently used in negative constructions, such as saying someone will 'brook no' interference or delay.

C'tait utile ?
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !

Commencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement

Commence Gratuitement