stain
Translation
to stain, to mark, to dye, to blemish
Examples
Be careful not to stain the carpet.
Be careful not to stain the carpet.
He stained the wood a dark colour.
He stained the wood a dark color.
This event stained his reputation.
This event stained his reputation.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to leave a mark on (sth.) Be careful not to stain the carpet.
((sth.)) ((a color)) to change the color of (sth.) using a substance He stained the wood a dark color.
((sth.)) to damage the reputation of (sb. or sth.) This event stained his reputation.
Similar Words
Synonyms: mark, soil, blemish, dye; Antonyms: clean, whiten, purify
Etymology
Origin uncertain, possibly from Old Norse 'steina' ('to paint, color').
Memory Tips
Think of a 'stain' from red wine on a white shirt. The verb 'to stain' is the action of creating that mark.