Blemish
/ˈblɛm.ɪʃ/noun
A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.
Did you know?The word 'blemish' connects to an obscure Old French term for 'to harm', revealing its dark roots in perceptions of imperfection and sacrifice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰlēm-
“to take or seize, often with a connotation of harm.”
Old English
OE
blēman
“to make or declare something bad or to harm.”
Old French
OF
blemir
“to harm or cause damage; to make imperfect.”
Middle English
ME
blemisshe
“to spoil or mar the appearance of something.”
Modern English
English
blemish
“a flaw or imperfection that detracts from perfection.”
Explore more surprising origins