Mancillar generally means to make something dirty or impure, both in a physical sense (e.g., staining a fabric) and a metaphorical sense (e.g., tarnishing someone's reputation). It is a somewhat formal word that might be more frequently encountered in written contexts, such as literature or formal speech, rather than in everyday conversation. However, it may still appear in some conversations, particularly in discussions related to morality or reputation.
"The scandal tarnished his reputation in the community."
"No deje que el mal comportamiento de otros mancille su honor."
"Don't let the bad behavior of others sully your honor."
"La pintura se dañó y se mancilló por el agua."
While mancillar itself is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, some phrases convey a similar sentiment about tarnishing or staining moral or reputational aspects. Here are a few examples:
Example: "Los rumores pueden mancillar el nombre de una persona inocente."
"Mancillar la imagen"
Example: "Su acción irresponsable mancilló la imagen de la empresa."
"No mancilles tu legado"
The word mancillar comes from the Latin māncīllāre, which derives from māncīllus, meaning "to make dirty" or "to stain." This link connects its current meaning to notions of impurity and blemishing, which have remained consistent throughout its evolution in the language.
Deshonrar (to dishonor)
Antonyms: