stain
Meaning: A mark or discolouration that is difficult to remove; to leave such a mark
A stain is a mark, typically caused by liquid or dirt, that is hard to remove from a surface or fabric. As a verb, it means to accidentally mark something or to deliberately colour wood or other materials. Figuratively, a stain can refer to damage to someone's reputation or character.
Examples
- There's a coffee stain on my shirt. 我的衬衫上有咖啡渍。Hay una mancha de café en mi camisa.シャツにコーヒーの染みがあります。셔츠에 커피 얼룩이 있습니다.
- Be careful not to stain the carpet with your muddy shoes. 小心不要用你的泥鞋弄脏地毯。Ten cuidado de no manchar la alfombra con tus zapatos llenos de barro.泥だらけの靴でカーペットを汚さないように気をつけてください。진흙투성이 신발로 카펫을 더럽히지 않도록 주의하세요.
- The scandal left a permanent stain on his reputation. 那桩丑闻在他的名誉上留下了永久的污点。El escándalo dejó una mancha permanente en su reputación.そのスキャンダルは彼の評判に永久的な汚点を残しました。그 스캔들은 그의 명성에 영구적인 오점을 남겼습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
A shortened form of Old French 'desteindre' (to remove the color), from Latin 'dis-' (apart) + 'tingere' (to dye, color). Ironically, the word meaning 'to discolor' came from a word meaning 'to remove color.'
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Abstract Concepts
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free