French Conversation · Level 132
30 words
French word
ternir
Pronunciation
IPA/tɛʁniʁ/
Meaning
- verbdull
Example
Le temps a terni la peinture.
Time has dulled the paint.
More examples
La polémique a terni sa réputation.
The controversy tarnished his reputation.
Core concept
A bright surface losing its shine or vivid color, while its appeal fades as well.
Common phrases
terni la réputation
tarnish the reputation
terni les couleurs
dull the colors
Similar words
salir: To soil a surface, reducing its cleanliness or visual appeal.
tacher: To stain fabric or an object, making it look worse.
abîmer: To damage an appearance or condition, causing it to lose its appeal.
entacher: To leave a negative impression on someone's reputation through an event or act.
Definition in French
Rendre quelque chose moins brillant, moins coloré ou moins estimé, tant au sens matériel (perte de couleur ou de lustre) qu'au sens figuré (altération de la réputation ou de l'attrait).
Word origin
Ternir is formed from the adjective terne, meaning dull or lacking shine, and developed from literal loss of luster to figurative damage to reputation or appeal.
Usage tips
- Ternir is transitive, and the passive phrase La réputation a été ternie uses être with a past participle agreeing with the feminine noun.