noun

blemish

BLEH-mihsh

noun

A small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface.

"A tiny blemish on the paintwork was the only sign of the accident."

"She covered the blemish on her cheek with concealer."

verb

To spoil the appearance or reputation of something.

"The scandal blemished his otherwise spotless career."

How to Use Blemish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small flaw, whether on skin, a surface, or a reputation.

Common pairings

skin blemish blemish-free blemish a reputation

blemished past tense, blemishes plural, blemishes singular

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A tiny _____ on the paintwork was the only sign of the accident.

From Old French "blesmir," meaning to make pale or bruise, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "pale."

Flemish