taint
Taint (noun) means a trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone. Example: “The scandal left a lasting taint on his reputation.”
How to use taint
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA trace of contamination or dishonor, or the act of spoiling something with it.
Don't confuse with tint, which just means a shade of color with no negative meaning.
Word forms
tainted past tense, tainted past tense, taints plural, taints plural, taints plural, taints singular, taints singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The scandal left a lasting _____ on his reputation.
Etymology
From Old French teint ("dyed, tinged"), from Latin tingere — the same root that gives us "tint."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for taint
See all rhymes for taint →Frequently asked questions
What does “taint” mean?
The word “taint” means a trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone. In plain terms, a trace of contamination or dishonor, or the act of spoiling something with it.
How do you pronounce “taint”?
“Taint” is pronounced taynt (/teɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “taint” in a sentence?
Here is “taint” used in a sentence: “The scandal left a lasting taint on his reputation.”
What part of speech is “taint”?
Depending on how it is used, “taint” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “taint” come from?
The word “taint” comes from Latin. From Old French teint ("dyed, tinged"), from Latin tingere — the same root that gives us "tint.".
How many meanings does “taint” have?
“Taint” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone.