stain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mark or discoloration on a surface, often caused by a substance that has been spilled or applied. Example: "I accidentally spilled red wine on the carpet, leaving a noticeable stain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the stain on our soul that prime minister Keating so movingly evoked at Redfern 21 years ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

Photographs from 1909 show a much lighter tint to the wood than the dark treacly stain most will remember.

The Guardian - Arts

When the beetroot are cooked, drain, then slip off their skins – wear washing-up gloves so you don't stain your fingers pink; this will also protect them from the hot beets (if need be, leave the beets to cool a little first).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So much for that "stain on our soul".

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: The stain on Australia's soul: is Abbott ready to tackle Indigenous disadvantage?

The Guardian

It will be a stain on Bahrain if his death comes before his freedom.

The Guardian - Opinion

The good doctor expressed his dismay, but also bafflement that "a high proportion of the population are prepared to cry aloud about footling matters of uncleanliness such as a tomato sauce stain on a restaurant tablecloth, whilst they luxuriate on a plush seat in their faeces-stained pants".

The Guardian - Opinion

Barcelona's Daniel Alves, who was an unused substitute in the semi-final, claimed the team had "failed our people" although he suggested one match should not stain the careers of those who had participated.

The Guardian - Sport

No, I want a book to kick the living daylights out of me and leave an indelible stain upon my psyche.

The Guardian

Apple's founder, Steve Jobs, initially pooh-poohed the name Imax cinemas, so named in 1968 immaculate conception has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus: it is the doctrine that Mary herself was conceived by her mother (St Anne) without the stain of original sin.

The Guardian

Use tissue paper – always white, as coloured can stain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stain" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly establishes the connection to a damaged reputation or moral imperfection.

Common error

Avoid using "stain" in overly dramatic contexts where simpler terms like "mark" or "blemish" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The word "stain" functions primarily as a noun referring to a discolored spot or blemish, or as a verb meaning to discolor or taint. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage in various contexts. Examples show it used both literally (e.g., coffee stain) and metaphorically (e.g., stain on one's reputation).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stain" functions as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe a discolored spot or blemish, or to indicate damage to one's reputation. Ludwig AI validates its frequent and correct usage across numerous contexts. As seen in the analysis, "stain" appears most frequently in news and media sources, often in metaphorical contexts. Related terms include "blemish", "tarnish", and "discoloration". When using "stain", particularly in a metaphorical sense, it's crucial to ensure clarity and avoid melodramatic overuse. Based on a wide array of reliable sources, "stain" maintains a high source quality score of 93, reinforcing its authoritative presence in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blemish

Focuses on a flaw or imperfection, often superficial, similar to a minor stain.

tarnish

Implies a loss of luster or reputation, akin to a stain on one's character.

discoloration

Highlights a change in color, similar to a stain altering the original hue.

mark

A general term for an impression or trace, like a stain left behind.

smudge

Suggests a blurred or smeared mark, similar to an accidental stain.

taint

Indicates contamination or corruption, like a stain affecting purity.

spot

Refers to a small, defined area of a different color or texture.

inflict a blemish

Emphasizes the act of causing damage to character or reputation, similar to leaving a stain.

leave a mark

Highlights a lasting impression, physical or metaphorical, much like a permanent stain.

besmirch

Indicates the act of damaging someone's reputation or character.

FAQs

How can the word "stain" be used in a sentence?

The word "stain" can be used as a noun, referring to a mark or discoloration, as in "There's a coffee stain on the tablecloth." It can also be used as a verb, meaning to discolor or taint, as in "Be careful not to stain your clothes."

What's the difference between "stain" and "blemish"?

"Stain" often implies a discoloration or mark left by a substance, while "blemish" generally refers to a flaw or imperfection, which may not necessarily involve discoloration. A blemish can be a scar or spot, whereas a "stain" is typically caused by something that has marked a surface.

What are some synonyms for "stain" when referring to reputation?

When "stain" is used to describe damage to someone's reputation, you can use alternatives like "tarnish", "blemish", or "taint". For example, "The scandal left a stain on his reputation" can be rephrased as "The scandal tarnished his reputation."

Is it correct to use "stain" metaphorically?

Yes, "stain" is often used metaphorically to describe something that damages or blemishes one's character, reputation, or record. For instance, you might say, "The corruption scandal left a stain on the company's image." Ensure the context makes the metaphorical usage clear.