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Denigrate vs Tarnish - What's the difference?

denigrate | tarnish |

Tarnish is a synonym of denigrate.



In transitive terms the difference between denigrate and tarnish

is that denigrate is to treat as worthless; belittle, degrade or disparage while tarnish is to soil, sully, damage or compromise.

As a noun tarnish is

oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

denigrate

English

Verb

(denigrat)
  • To criticise so as to besmirch; traduce, disparage or defame.
  • To treat as worthless; belittle, degrade or disparage.
  • (rare) To blacken.

    • Derived terms

    * denigration * denigratory

    tarnish

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

    • Verb

    (es)
  • To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
    • Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing .
  • To soil, sully, damage or compromise
    • He is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees.
  • (figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.
  • * Dryden
    • Till thy fresh glories, which now shine so bright, / Grow stale and tarnish with our daily sight.