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besmear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2
UK/bɪˈsmɪə/US/bɪˈsmɪr/

Formal, Archaic, Literary

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Quick answer

What does “besmear” mean?

To smear or spread a thick or greasy substance over a surface.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

To smear or spread a thick or greasy substance over a surface.

To soil, sully, or tarnish someone's reputation; to dishonour or defame (archaic/figurative).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic and rare in both varieties.

Connotations

Carries a strong connotation of old-fashioned or poetic language in both dialects. May imply a deliberate, malicious act of defilement in the figurative sense.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary texts due to archaic retention, but this is marginal.

Grammar

How to Use “besmear” in a Sentence

[Subject] besmears [Object] with [Substance][Subject] besmears [Object]'s reputation

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
reputation besmearedname besmearedhonour besmeared
medium
face besmeared withhands besmeared with greaseto besmear with mud
weak
walls besmearedbesmear with bloodbesmear with paint

Examples

Examples of “besmear” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The protestors threatened to besmear the statue with paint.
  • He felt his family's honour had been besmeared by the scandal.

American English

  • The mechanic's hands were besmeared with engine oil.
  • The article was an attempt to besmear her impeccable record.

adverb

British English

  • No common adverbial form in use.

American English

  • No common adverbial form in use.

adjective

British English

  • No common adjectival form in use.

American English

  • No common adjectival form in use.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Rare; might appear in historical or literary analysis discussing character assassination.

Everyday

Not used in contemporary everyday conversation.

Technical

Not used in technical contexts.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “besmear”

Weak

coverspread on

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “besmear”

cleansepurifyhonourlaud

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “besmear”

  • Using it in modern, casual contexts. Confusing it with 'besmirch' (a more common synonym for the figurative sense). Incorrect preposition: 'besmear by' instead of 'besmear with'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is very rare in modern English and is considered archaic or literary.

'Smear' is the common, modern word for both the literal and figurative meanings. 'Besmear' is an older, more formal/intensive variant, now largely obsolete.

Almost never. It inherently carries negative connotations of making something dirty or dishonourable.

There is no significant difference. It is equally uncommon in both varieties.

To smear or spread a thick or greasy substance over a surface.

Besmear is usually formal, archaic, literary in register.

Besmear: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈsmɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈsmɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “None specific to this word.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'BEfore you SMEAR someone's reputation, consider the harm.' The word 'smear' is inside 'BESMEAR'.

Conceptual Metaphor

REPUTATION IS CLEANLINESS / HONOUR IS A BRIGHT SURFACE. To besmear is to make dirty or dull.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The political operative was known for his ability to an opponent's reputation with vicious rumours.
Multiple Choice

In which context is 'besmear' most likely to be used today?