Stain Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/steɪn/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A spot or mark on a surface caused by a substance or a blemish, especially one that is hard to remove.

Examples

• The spilled coffee left a stain on the carpet.
• The red wine stain on the tablecloth was difficult to remove.

Synonyms

• Spot
• Blemish
• Mark

Antonyms

• Clearance
• Clean

Additional Information

Stains can be caused by various substances, including dirt, grime, oil, and food. They can be difficult to remove, but there are many cleaning products and methods available to help.

Stains can also have a cultural or symbolic significance. For example, a red wine stain may symbolize passion or love, while a coffee stain may represent a busy morning routine.

Etymology

The word “stain” comes from the Old French word “estain”, which is derived from the Latin word “stigma”, meaning “mark” or “spot”.

Usage Notes

When using the word “stain” in a sentence, it’s important to be specific about the type of substance causing the stain, such as “wine stain” or “coffee stain”.

It’s also important to note that the word “stain” can have different connotations depending on the context. For example, a “stain” on one’s reputation may be a negative thing, while a “stain” on a fabric may be a minor inconvenience.

Cultural References

In popular culture, the word “stain” has been referenced in many songs, TV shows, and movies. For example, the song “Stain” by the band Deftones is about a toxic relationship.

In literature, the word “stain” has been used as a metaphor for guilt, shame, or regret in many works of fiction.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• to leave a bad taste in one’s mouth (like a sour stain)
• to leave a mark or stain (on one’s reputation)
• to have a stain on one’s conscience

Related Words or Phrases

• Spot
• Blemish
• Mark
• Fouling
• Grim

Collocations

• stain removal
• stain resistance
• stain cleaning
• stain treatment

Frequency of Use

The word “stain” is a relatively common word in modern language, and it’s used in many different contexts, including literature, music, and everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

• Staine
• Sten