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Tarnish vs Tainted - What's the difference?

tarnish | tainted |

As verbs the difference between tarnish and tainted

is that tarnish is to oxidize or discolor due to oxidation while tainted is past tense of taint.

As a noun tarnish

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

As an adjective tainted is

corrupted or filled with imperfections.

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.

    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)