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Tainted vs Tarnished - What's the difference?

tainted | tarnished |

As verbs the difference between tainted and tarnished

is that tainted is (taint) while tarnished is (tarnish).

As an adjective tainted

is corrupted or filled with imperfections.

tainted

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • corrupted or filled with imperfections.
    • Hey, get that away from me! It was bought with tainted money.

    Usage notes

    * Nouns to which "tainted" is often applied: food, meat, beef, pork, milk, water, fish, toys, love, evidence, money, reputation.

    Synonyms

    * corrupt * impure * imperfect

    Verb

    (head)
  • (taint)

    • tarnished

    English

    Verb

    (head)
  • (tarnish)

    • 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.