Definition of Sully
Quick Meaning of Sully
To make something pure or clean become dirty or impure, either physically or in terms of reputation and honour.
Detailed Definition of Sully
To damage the purity, integrity, or honour of someone or something; to soil or tarnish morally or physically.
How to Pronounce Sully
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: SUL-ee. The 'u' sounds like in 'but', and the double 'l' is soft (not harsh).
Watch out: Some learners mispronounce the 'u' (like in 'soul' instead of 'but') or stress the second syllable. Correct: SUL-ee (stress first; 'u' as in 'but').
Origin and Etymology of Sully
From Old French 'souiller' (to soil, make dirty). Related to Latin 'suillus' (of or like swine/pigs). Entered English in 14th century with both literal and metaphorical meanings of soiling or staining.
How to Use Sully in a Sentence
Each example shows “sully” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The conspiracy sullied the president's legacy and historical reputation.”
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“His unethical conduct sullied the integrity of the entire institution.”
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“The muddy water sullied the pristine appearance of the white marble floor.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Sully
Common Synonyms for Sully
Smart Synonyms for Sully — When to Use Each
- tarnish
- Slightly less literary; more commonly used in modern
- besmirch
- Equally formal; emphasizes reputation more than purity
- taint
- More clinical; emphasizes contamination or moral corruption
Common Collocations with Sully
These phrases pair with “sully” in everyday English:
- sully someone's reputation
- sully someone's honour
- sully one's integrity
- sully a legacy
- sully one's memory
Common Mistakes When Using Sully
Even fluent speakers slip up with “sully”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The scandal sullied on his family's name.
- ✓ Correct: The scandal sullied his family's name.
- Why: 'Sully' is transitive and takes a direct object without 'on'.
- ✗ Wrong: His actions were sully the reputation.
- ✓ Correct: His actions sullied the reputation. / His reputation was sullied.
- Why: Either use active voice with simple past 'sullied' or passive voice 'was sullied'. Do not mix.
- ✗ Wrong: The accusations have sully the institution's standing.
- ✓ Correct: The accusations have sullied the institution's standing.
- Why: In perfect tense, use the past participle 'sullied', not the base form.
Other Forms of Sully
Frequently Asked Questions About Sully
What is the meaning of "Sully"?
To make something pure or clean become dirty or impure, either physically or in terms of reputation and honour.
How do you pronounce "Sully"?
The IPA is /ˈsʌli/. Stress the first syllable: SUL-ee. The 'u' sounds like in 'but', and the double 'l' is soft (not harsh).
What part of speech is "Sully"?
"Sully" is a verb at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Sully"?
Common synonyms include tarnish, besmirch, damage.
How do you use "Sully" in a sentence?
For example: "The conspiracy sullied the president's legacy and historical reputation."