What does mar mean?
To mar something is to spoil or damage its appearance, condition, quality, or reputation. The word is often used when a small flaw has a disproportionate effect: a scratch may mar a polished surface, while a scandal may mar an otherwise successful career. Because it suggests an imperfection that is visible or difficult to remove, “mar” carries a somewhat formal and literary tone, although it remains familiar in ordinary English. The related noun, a mar, means a blemish or damaging flaw. The word is useful because it describes not only physical damage but also the lasting harm that a mistake, accusation, or event can do to a person’s public standing or to the reputation of an institution.
To impair, damage, or spoil the quality, appearance, or condition of something, or to damage someone’s reputation or prospects.
"The careless handling marred the delicate fabric."
Formal and literary in tone; especially common in writing about appearance, perfection, and reputation.
A blemish, defect, or flaw that spoils something’s appearance or quality.
"There was a small mar on the surface of the vase."
Less common than the verb and chiefly literary.
A small blemish can mar something perfect, which is why “mar” is often used for flaws that leave a lasting impression on appearance or reputation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mar come from?
The word descends from Old English and was used in the sense of injuring, damaging, or spoiling. Its modern form and meaning developed through Middle English, where it was also associated with hindering a person’s progress or prospects. The older root is Germanic and distinct from Latin marinus, the source of words such as “marine.”
Related word forms
How mar is actually used
The verb is formal and slightly literary, though it is widely understood. The noun sense, meaning a blemish or defect, is less common and often appears in phrases such as “a mar on the surface.”
Easily confused with mar
“Mar” means to damage or spoil something, whereas “mare” is a female horse.