Meaning & use
patina
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Meanings
nouncountable or uncountabletechnical
A thin, often greenish layer that develops on copper and bronze as they age or are exposed to weather.
Grammar: Often uncountable: the statue has acquired a patina.
Patterns
- a patina on something
- a patina of something
The copper roof had developed a green patina after decades of rain.
Restorers carefully preserved the patina on the old bronze door.
A blue-green patina covered the statue's shoulders.
nouncountable or uncountable
A soft shine or worn finish that wood, leather or stone gains from age and handling.
Grammar: Suggests pleasing wear, not damage.
Patterns
- the patina of something
The oak table had a warm patina from generations of family meals.
Years of use gave the leather satchel a rich patina.
Collectors pay extra for furniture with its original patina.
nounsingularfigurative
An outward appearance or quality that covers or disguises what lies beneath.
Grammar: Usually followed by of: a patina of respectability.
Patterns
- a patina of something
The company gave itself a patina of respectability with a new logo.
The city has a patina of old-world charm that attracts tourists.
His polite manner was only a thin patina over his impatience.
Word forms
| plural | patinas |
|---|
Common combinations
- a green patina
- The dome has a green patina from weather and age.
- acquire a patina
- The bench acquired a patina after years outdoors.
- a patina of age
- Old coins carry a patina of age that collectors prize.
- a patina of respectability
- The scheme had only a patina of respectability.
- a rich patina
- The violin had a rich patina from decades of playing.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sheen
- Sheen refers to a soft shine on a surface, while patina specifically implies a surface changed by age or use.
- veneer
- Veneer suggests a thin, often false outer layer hiding something less appealing, while patina can be a genuinely attractive result of age.
- tarnish
- Tarnish means a dulling or discoloration that spoils metal, whereas patina is often valued.
Opposites
Word family
- patinated adjective
- covered with a patina
- patinate verb
- to cover with or develop a patina
- patination noun
- the process of forming a patina
Commonly confused: patina or patio?
patina vs patio
A patio is a paved outdoor area beside a house and has nothing to do with surface aging.
Practice
Years of handling had given the wooden banister a soft ___.
Choose one answer.
Patina is the surface finish gained with age and use; the other options are similar-looking words that do not fit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “patina”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.