The difference between Blacken and Tarnish

When used as verbs, blacken means to cause to be or become black, whereas tarnish means to oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.


Tarnish is also noun with the meaning: oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

check bellow for the other definitions of Blacken and Tarnish

  1. Blacken as a verb (transitive):

    To cause to be or become black.

  2. Blacken as a verb (intransitive):

    To become black.

    Examples:

    "The sky blackened as the storm clouds rolled in."

  3. Blacken as a verb:

    To make dirty.

  4. Blacken as a verb:

    To defame or sully.

    Examples:

    "Malice delights to blacken the characters of prominent men.'' — Napoleon Bonaparte"

  5. Blacken as a verb:

    To cook (meat or fish) by coating with pepper, etc., and quickly searing in a hot pan.

  1. Tarnish as a noun:

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

  1. Tarnish as a verb (intransitive):

    To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.

    Examples:

    "Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing."

  2. Tarnish as a verb (transitive):

    To soil, sully, damage or compromise

    Examples:

    "He is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees."

  3. Tarnish as a verb (intransitive, figurative):

    To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.