stain

An unwanted mark on something, often caused by food, drink, or dirt.

• There is a stain on my shirt.
• I couldn't remove the coffee stain.
• These muddy stains will wash out easily.

Similar words: mark, spot, blotch

Common phrases: a coffee stain, remove a stain, stain on something, a wine stain

To leave an unwanted coloured mark on something.

• Coffee can stain your teeth.
• The spilled wine stained the carpet.
• Will this sauce stain my white shirt?

How to use it: stain something with something (He stained his sleeve with ink.)

Similar words: mark, discolour

Common phrases: stain something red, stain the carpet, stain with something

To put a special colouring liquid on a surface, especially wood, so its natural lines remain visible.

• We will stain the wooden fence.
• He stained the table a warm brown.
• Have you stained the new shelves yet?

How to use it: stain something + colour (We stained the shelves dark brown.)

Common phrases: stain the wood, stain something brown, stain a table

To make people think less well of someone's character or good name.

• The scandal stained his reputation.
• That betrayal has stained the family's name.
• She feared the accusation would stain her honour.

Similar words: tarnish, taint, sully

Common phrases: stain someone's reputation, stain someone's name, stain someone's honour