blemish
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 5A 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.
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.
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
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
A single scratch on the hood of the luxury car will blemish its overall aesthetic value.
everydayA single scratch on the hood of the luxury car will blemish its overall aesthetic value.
The committee was concerned that any hint of scandal might blemish the institution's long-standing reputation.
formalThe committee was concerned that any hint of scandal might blemish the institution's long-standing reputation.
Don't let that one small argument blemish what has been a fantastic weekend.
informalDon't let that one small argument blemish what has been a fantastic weekend.
Scholars argue that certain historical inaccuracies blemish the overall validity of the primary source.
academicScholars argue that certain historical inaccuracies blemish the overall validity of the primary source.
The late delivery threatened to blemish the company's track record for reliability in the international market.
businessThe late delivery threatened to blemish the company's track record for reliability in the international market.
Famille de mots
Collocations courantes
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 refers to a flaw or the act of marking something; blame is the act of assigning responsibility for a fault.
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
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
Vocabulaire associé
Mots lis
bristling
B2To 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
B2A 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
B2Describes 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
B2To 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
B2To 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
B2To 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
B2Bromine 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
B2Bronchitis 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
B2A 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
B2To 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.
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