1
Core action
Damage, spoil, or make something less attractive, effective, or perfect.
Example
Deep scratches marred the polished surface.
mar
/mɑːr/ · MARverb
Damage, spoil, or make something less attractive, effective, or perfect.
Use mar to express this relationship precisely: damage, spoil, or make something less attractive, effective, or perfect.
What mar Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
A factual error mars an otherwise excellent book.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Poor drainage may mar the restored courtyard.
Use mar Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Deep scratches marred the polished surface.
A factual error mars an otherwise excellent book.
Poor drainage may mar the restored courtyard.
Precision Matters
Mar overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
mar
vs.Means damage, spoil, or make something less attractive, effective, or perfect.
embellish
Means make something more attractive or interesting by adding decorative or invented details.
mar
vs.Means damage, spoil, or make something less attractive, effective, or perfect.
commend
Means praise or express approval of someone or something, especially for a worthy action or quality.
mar
vs.Means damage, spoil, or make something less attractive, effective, or perfect.
depict
Means represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
mar
vs.Means damage, spoil, or make something less attractive, effective, or perfect.
egregious
Means outstandingly and conspicuously bad, wrong, or offensive.
Test mar in Context
The flaw spoils the quality of the larger work.
1
One unsupported accusation was enough to ___ an otherwise careful investigation.