blemish
/ˈblemɪʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈblemɪʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈble-mish/ (ame, mw) · /ˈblem.ɪʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈblem.ɪʃ/ (ame, ipa)
blemish — noun
- blemishsingular
- blemishesplural
1. a small, unwanted mark or area of discolouration on a surface, especially on a p
a small, unwanted mark or area of discolouration on a surface, especially on a person's skin or on an object, that makes it look less perfect than it should.
Mei-Lin noticed a small blemish on her left cheek right before the wedding photos.
collocation: blemish on [body part]
The old wooden table had a dark blemish near the edge where a hot pot had sat.
collocation: blemish on [object]
Even a tiny blemish can reduce the value of a rare diamond by thousands of dollars.
Amara gently dabbed concealer over the blemish and it was barely visible anymore.
- mark
more general and neutral; a mark can be intentional (e.g. a pen mark) while a blemish is always unwanted
- imperfection
more formal and broad; can refer to any flaw, not necessarily visible
- spot
more casual and often refers to a round mark; common in everyday skincare talk
- flaw
emphasises the idea of something being less than perfect; used for both physical and abstract defects
- perfection
the state of being without any blemish or flaw
文法句型
a + blemish + on + [body part/object]
用法筆記
Often used in the context of cosmetics, skincare, and product quality inspection. Less clinical than words like scar or mole — it simply refers to any small imperfection.
常見錯誤
2. a moral fault or negative quality in someone's personality that stops them from
a moral fault or negative quality in someone's personality that stops them from being seen as completely good or respectable.
The minister's quick temper was the only blemish on an otherwise spotless reputation.
pattern: a blemish on [abstract quality]
The general was admired by all, but his refusal to listen to junior officers was a serious blemish on his leadership.
Kwame believed that dishonesty was a blemish no amount of success could cover up.
Without that one blemish, she would have been considered a truly outstanding candidate for the position.
- virtue
a positive moral quality; the opposite of a character blemish
文法句型
a + blemish + on + [abstract noun]
用法筆記
Commonly used in formal evaluations — of reputation, leadership, or moral character. Frequently appears in the fixed expression 'a blemish on [one's] record / reputation / character.'
常見錯誤
blemish — verb
- blemishpresent simple I / you / we / they
- blemishes3rd person singular
- blemishing-ing form
- blemishedpast simple
1. to damage the appearance or quality of something, leaving it visibly less perfec
to damage the appearance or quality of something, leaving it visibly less perfect or attractive than it was before.
A large crack now blemishes the ceramic vase that Yuna inherited from her grandmother.
active: blemish + object
The marble floor was blemished by a dark wine stain that no amount of scrubbing could remove.
passive: be blemished by
Arjun was careful not to blemish the fresh coat of paint with his fingerprints.
Scratches from the moving truck blemished the side of the brand-new car.
- spoil
more general and common; can refer to taste, enjoyment, or appearance, while blemish is limited to visible damage
- mark
more neutral; marking something does not necessarily reduce its value or beauty
- mar
more literary and formal; suggests ruining the overall effect of something
- tarnish
used literally for metal surfaces losing shine, and figuratively for reputation — overlaps with blemish' figurative use
文法句型
blemish + [noun phrase]
be + blemished + by + [noun phrase]
用法筆記
The passive form ('was blemished by') is very common, especially when describing accidental damage. This verb is less frequent in everyday speech than simpler alternatives like spoil, ruin, or mark.