sully
C1Formal / Literary
Definition
Meaning
To damage or soil the purity, integrity, or reputation of something; to tarnish.
Literally, to make something dirty or stained. Figuratively, to disgrace or blemish a person's honor, reputation, or the good name of an institution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive verb with strong negative connotations. Often used in contexts of honor, reputation, and legacy. The figurative sense is far more common than the literal sense in modern usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it primarily in its figurative sense.
Connotations
Strongly negative, implying a permanent or serious stain on character or reputation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties. More likely found in formal writing, journalism, and literature than in everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] sullies [object (reputation/name)][object] be sullied by [agent]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not to sully one's hands (with something) = to avoid involvement in something dishonest or degrading.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in serious contexts about corporate scandals: 'The fraud allegations sullied the company's century-old reputation.'
Academic
Used in historical, political, or literary analysis to discuss damage to reputations or ideals.
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Would be used deliberately for dramatic effect.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He refused to sully his hands with such corrupt business practices.
- The scandal sullied the honour of the regiment.
American English
- She didn't want to sully her perfect academic record with a single B.
- The attack was meant to sully the candidate's image.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- N/A
- The politician did not want to sully his good name.
- Historical evidence suggests his reputation was unfairly sullied by his rivals.
- The biographer sought to rehabilitate the leader's legacy, which had been sullied by decades of propaganda and myth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bright, clean SUIT being stained with yellow mustard (SULly). The stain ruins its pristine appearance, just as scandal sullies a clean reputation.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPUTATION IS CLEANLINESS / PURITY (A stain on reputation is a stain on a clean object).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'сулить' (to promise).
- The closest equivalents are 'запятнать (репутацию)', 'очернить'. It is not a general word for 'dirty' like 'пачкать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'a sully on his name' is non-standard).
- Confusing it with 'silly'.
- Using it for minor, trivial faults instead of serious damage to honour.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sully' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but this is now archaic or very literary. The dominant modern use is figurative, relating to reputation.
No, it is a mid-frequency word at the C1/C2 level. It is used for deliberate, formal, or dramatic effect.
They are very close synonyms. 'Sully' can feel slightly more literary and severe, often linked to moral purity. 'Tarnish' is more common and can be used for both physical metals and reputations.
Not in standard modern use. You would use 'stain', 'blemish', or 'tarnish' as the corresponding noun.