untarnished

/ʌnˈtɑː.nɪʃd/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌnˈtɑːr.nɪʃd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈtär-nisht How to pronounce untarnished (audio)/ (ame, mw)

untarnished — adjective

  • untarnishedpositive
  • more untarnishedcomparative
  • most untarnishedsuperlative

1. describing a reputation, record, or public name that still has people's respect

1.形容詞C2
釋義

describing a reputation, record, or public name that still has people's respect because no scandal or blame has damaged it.

例句

After the audit, the charity's untarnished name drew more local donors.

collocation: untarnished name

For decades, Judge Moreno kept an untarnished record on public spending.

keep + object + untarnished

同義詞
  • unblemished

    very close in meaning, but often sounds slightly more formal

  • spotless

    gives a stronger sense of perfect moral cleanliness

  • impeccable

    broader and more formal; often describes behavior or standards

反義詞
  • tarnished

    describes a name or image that has lost public respect

  • tainted

    suggests damage from suspicion, shame, or wrongdoing

文法句型

an untarnished reputation

an untarnished record

remain untarnished

用法筆記

Usually modifies nouns such as reputation, name, record, or standing, or follows remain and stay. Unlike sense 2, this sense is about public respect rather than the visible look of metal.

常見錯誤

❌The silver bowl stayed untarnished on the shelf.
✅The lawyer's name stayed untarnished after the case.
💡this sense is about reputation or record, not literal metal surfaces.

2. describing metal that still looks bright because its surface has not turned dull

2.形容詞C2
釋義

describing metal that still looks bright because its surface has not turned dull or dark.

例句

Ryo lifted the untarnished silver cup from its velvet box.

collocation: untarnished silver cup

After years in storage, the brass handle remained untarnished and bright.

remain + untarnished

同義詞
  • gleaming

    focuses on a strong bright look, not specifically on avoiding tarnish

  • polished

    suggests shine created by cleaning rather than simply preserved

  • stainless

    often describes a material that resists staining or rust, not its present shine

反義詞
  • tarnished

    shows the surface has gone dull or darker

  • dulled

    broader word for losing brightness, even without chemical change

文法句型

untarnished silver

remain untarnished

stay untarnished

用法筆記

Mostly used for silver, brass, gold, and similar metals, especially before the noun or after remain and stay. Unlike sense 1, this sense refers to physical brightness on a metal surface, not to a person's reputation.

常見錯誤

❌Her untarnished reputation shone after the award.
✅The untarnished brass sign shone after the rain.
💡this sense is literal and used for metal that has kept its shine.