Reading Theme:
Stain: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：a dirty mark (stain)
stain
/steɪn/
vt.
A mark or spot that is difficult to remove, caused by something like spilled liquid.
a dirty mark
➕
/ə ˈdɜːrti mɑːrk/
vt.
A visible, often permanent mark left on a surface by a foreign substance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Middle English 'steynen', related to Old Norse 'steina' (to paint).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a big 'STAIN' that stays IN the fabric after a spill.
📖 Example
I spilled coffee on my white T-shirt, and now there's a big brown stain.
A visible mark remains where the liquid was spilled.
🔗 Collocations
blood stain – a mark left by blood
remove a stain – to clean a mark off
permanent stain – a mark that cannot be cleaned
🔄 Synonyms
blemish (n.) – a small flaw that spoils the appearance
smudge (n.) – a blurred or smeared mark
discoloration (n.) – an area that has changed color
🚫 Antonyms
cleanliness (n.) – the state of being clean and free from marks
🌱 Derivatives
stainless (adj.) – resistant to staining or rust
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'stain' comes from the Old French 'desteindre', meaning 'to remove color'. This reflects its core idea of changing or damaging the original color or purity of a surface.
Meaning 2：make dirty (stain)
stain
/steɪn/
vt.
To make a dirty or discolored mark on something that is hard to clean off.
make dirty
➕
/meɪk ˈdɜːrti/
vt.
The action of leaving a permanent or hard-to-remove mark on a surface.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Be careful with that pen, you might stain the new notebook.
There is a risk of marking the notebook with ink.
🔗 Collocations
stain wood – to apply a color to wood
stain your reputation – to damage your good name
stain glass – to apply color to glass, as in art
🔄 Synonyms
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