mar
C1-C2Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To damage or spoil something, making it less perfect or attractive.
To detract from or impair the quality, character, or enjoyment of an experience or object.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used figuratively for abstract concepts (e.g., reputation, occasion, mood). Implies a lasting, noticeable, and negative effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Slightly more common in formal British writing than in American, but rare in everyday speech in both varieties.
Connotations
Conveys a literary, somewhat dramatic, or regretful tone. Not a colloquial term.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Someone/Something] mars [something][Something] is marred by [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A face marred by sorrow”
- “A victory marred by controversy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The product launch was marred by the shipping delays."
Academic
"The study's conclusions are marred by a small sample size."
Everyday
"A single cloud marred the otherwise perfect blue sky."
Technical
Used in art/restoration: "The scratch mars the painting's varnish."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Grafitti mars the historic monument.
- A last-minute error marred an otherwise flawless performance.
American English
- A typo marred the final page of the report.
- Scratches from the accident marred the car's finish.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form; 'irreparably' is a common collocate) The vase was irreparably marred.
American English
- (No standard adverb form; 'badly' is a common collocate) The document was badly marred by coffee stains.
adjective
British English
- (Marred) The marred manuscript lost much of its value.
- (Marring - present participle) The marring effect of pollution is evident.
American English
- (Marred) The negotiations resulted in a marred agreement.
- (Marring) He committed a marring foul late in the game.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child used a crayon and marred the white wall.
- A few spelling mistakes marred her excellent essay.
- The historic peace treaty was marred by accusations of bad faith from both sides.
- His tenure as chairman, though successful, was ultimately marred by the financial scandal that emerged in its final months.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MAR' as 'Making Aesthetic Ruin'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERFECTION IS A SMOOTH SURFACE / DAMAGE IS A MARK (scar, scratch).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'март' (March). Do not translate as 'море' (sea). The closest conceptual equivalent is 'портить' or 'обезображивать'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The rain didn't marred the picnic.' (double past tense). Correct: 'The rain didn't mar the picnic.' / 'The rain marred the picnic.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'mar' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word most often found in writing.
Almost never. Its core meaning is negative damage or spoilage.
The noun is also 'mar' (e.g., 'a mar on the surface'), but it's less common than the verb.
Yes. 'Mar' is more specific and formal, often implying a visible flaw on something otherwise good. 'Spoil' is more general and common.