blemishes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'blemishes' is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to imperfections or flaws on someone's skin or appearance. Example: "She had flawless skin, with no blemishes or wrinkles in sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His view represented a higher patriotism: a loyalty and affection that, rather than ignoring blemishes, accepts that removing them is the obligation of affection.

The Guardian - Opinion

She's slim, 30kg lighter, and her face shows none of the strange damage that bereavement has inflicted – the lines beneath her eyes like bruises, the blemishes and whorls like cuts.

The Guardian

Some opt for simple clean-ups, for plaque and swollen gums, some have their ragged edges filed, some have plastic bonding to cover blemishes, some have gum-shield-style "invisible" braces with names such as Invisalign, some have porcelain veneers fused to their teeth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Well, there are a couple of blemishes.

The Guardian

Some 250,000 people turned out to see him in Berlin in July; Mr McCain's earlier visit to Europe went virtually unnoticed.Both candidates also advocate specific policies that are designed to clear some of the blemishes on America's image.

The Economist

Indeed, several of his colleagues have been surprised to receive hand-written notes from Mr Rove pointing out minor blemishes in their academic articles.

The Economist

The "resistance" in Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan has "shown Muslims that there is an alternative": armed defiance not only against "Western military hegemony" but also against the West's "political stature and narrative".How much more persuasive this book would have been if Mr Crooke had curbed his enthusiasm, or been just a bit franker about the blemishes on the movements he admires.

The Economist

So it is little wonder that when the authors asked their subjects whether a person of a different faith from theirs could find salvation and go to heaven, almost nine out of ten said yes.Three blemishes in paradiseYet Mr Putnam and Mr Campbell are also careful not to claim too much.

The Economist

Neither is his track record as commander completely without blemishes.

The Economist

Unions and environmentalists plan to flood their supporters with pamphlets and calls during the campaign's last fortnight.And yet, even though his halo is not without blemishes, Mr Feingold is running a fairly clean campaign.

The Economist

Plenty of candidates before him Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Mr Perry and Mr Gingrich have hit the Republican sweet spot too, only to be rejected once their blemishes became plainer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skin or appearance, use "blemishes" to refer to minor imperfections. For more significant disfigurements, consider using words like "scars" or "disfigurements".

Common error

Avoid using "blemishes" to describe abstract concepts or situations where "flaws" or "shortcomings" would be more appropriate. "Blemishes" is best reserved for imperfections in physical appearance or surfaces.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blemishes" is as a noun, typically used in the plural form. It refers to imperfections or flaws on the surface of something, most commonly skin. As Ludwig AI states, it's often associated with skin care or descriptions of physical appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Independent

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blemishes" is a commonly used noun to describe imperfections or flaws, particularly on skin or surfaces. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use. It's primarily found in contexts such as News & Media and Encyclopedias, with a neutral register. When writing, it is best to use "blemishes" for physical imperfections and avoid overusing it in abstract contexts. Related terms include "imperfections", "flaws", and "spots". Remember to use the term accurately to convey the intended meaning. The most frequent sources using this word are The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imperfections

Replaces "blemishes" with a broader term for any kind of flaw.

flaws

Similar to "blemishes", but can apply to character or design, not just physical appearance.

defects

Implies a fault in something manufactured or created.

faults

Suggests a weakness or imperfection, often in a system or character.

markings

Refers to spots or lines that detract from a smooth surface.

spots

Specifically refers to small, often round, marks.

scars

Indicates lasting marks from damage or injury.

stains

Suggests discoloration or unwanted marks that are difficult to remove.

disfigurements

Implies a severe and often permanent alteration of appearance.

birthmarks

Refers to marks present from birth that may be considered imperfections.

FAQs

How can I use "blemishes" in a sentence?

You can use "blemishes" to describe skin imperfections, such as "She used makeup to cover the "blemishes" on her face", or to describe minor flaws in an object, such as "The antique table had a few "blemishes" but was otherwise in good condition".

What are some synonyms for "blemishes"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "imperfections", "flaws", "defects", or "spots" as alternatives for "blemishes".

Is it correct to use "blemishes" to describe character flaws?

While "blemishes" primarily refers to physical imperfections, it can be used metaphorically to describe minor character flaws. However, alternatives like "weaknesses" or "shortcomings" may be more appropriate in such contexts.

What's the difference between "blemishes" and "scars"?

"Blemishes" generally refer to minor and superficial imperfections, whereas "scars" indicate more significant and lasting marks resulting from injury or damage. Therefore, "scars" imply a more severe alteration of the skin or surface.