sully - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sully Word Meanings
- to damage purity or integrity
- to make dirty or unclean
- to tarnish someone's reputation
sully Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sully Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsʌli/
US
/ˈsʌli/
sully Word Etymology
The root 'sully' comes from the Old French 'soulier', meaning 'to make dirty'. The term has evolved to mean tarnishing or damaging integrity. Imagine a pristine white shirt getting splattered with mud, symbolizing the loss of purity.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
To sully something is to damage its purity or integrity, often by tainting it morally or reputationally rather than merely making it dirty. You can sully a name, a reputation, or a principle, and the effect is a loss of trust and respect. The verb carries a strong negative connotation and is common in formal writing, journalism, and criticism. It is not used for small stains; it suggests a significant stain on character or credibility. The origin lies in Old French soulier, meaning to make dirty, which creates a vivid image of something once clean becoming muddy. Typical usages include sullying someone’s reputation, sully the name of, or ways that scandals sully public trust.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: be precise with the object (reputation, name, integrity). Be mindful of the formal register. Use be sullied for past harm and sullying as the process. Distinguish from soil and stain in everyday language. Consider whether the context involves moral/credibility impact. Use be sullied to discuss consequences, not casual dirt.
Common Misconceptions
- It only means making something dirty physically.
- It can be used only for people, not objects.
- It is interchangeable with 'soil' or 'stain' in all contexts.
- It is common in casual speech.
- It can be used for minor or everyday dirt.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Learn top collocations: sully a reputation, sully the name, sully someone's character
- Distinguish from physical dirt: soil, dirty, stain are not exact substitutes
- Note the form: be sullied (past) vs sullying (present participle)
- Prefer formal or critical contexts; it sounds strong
- Imagine the image of clean clothes turning muddy to recall the meaning
- Practice with journalism or legal examples for variety
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'sully'?
A.To clean
B.To encourage
C.To praise
D.To soil
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'sully' used correctly?
A.He sullied the kitchen floor with mud.
B.She sullied the reputation of her colleague by spreading false rumors.
C.The children sullied the park by picking up trash.
D.The new car sullied the dealership with its sleek design.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'sully'?
A.Cleanse
B.Sanitize
C.Purify
D.Defile
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'sully'?
A.Taint
B.Uphold
C.Tarnish
D.Sully
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would you most likely hear the word 'sully' being used?
A.A company promoting a new product
B.A politician defending their actions
C.A journalist uncovering a scandal
D.A teacher praising a student
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