What does the verb "tarnish" imply?

What does the verb "tarnish" imply?

• A. To polish
• B. To cover with gold
• C. To dirty or corrupt
• D. To maintain clarity

Answer: (C)

The verb "tarnish" implies the process of becoming less bright, clear, or valuable, often due to a surface layer that gets dirty or discolored over time. This term is commonly associated with metals, such as silver, which can lose its luster and become dulled by exposure to air or chemicals, leading to a tarnished appearance. Therefore, choosing the option that reflects the idea of something becoming dirty or corrupted aligns perfectly with the meaning of "tarnish." It captures the essence of deterioration or loss of purity, which resonates with both physical and metaphorical uses of the word. In this context, tarnishing often symbolizes the degradation of quality or value, making the selected answer the most accurate representation of the verb's implication.

The verb "tarnish" implies the process of becoming less bright, clear, or valuable, often due to a surface layer that gets dirty or discolored over time. This term is commonly associated with metals, such as silver, which can lose its luster and become dulled by exposure to air or chemicals, leading to a tarnished appearance.

Therefore, choosing the option that reflects the idea of something becoming dirty or corrupted aligns perfectly with the meaning of "tarnish." It captures the essence of deterioration or loss of purity, which resonates with both physical and metaphorical uses of the word. In this context, tarnishing often symbolizes the degradation of quality or value, making the selected answer the most accurate representation of the verb's implication.