stained
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /steɪnd/
KK: /steɪnd/
adjective
Definition
Having marks or discoloration on a surface, often caused by a substance that has been absorbed or left behind.
Example
The shirt was stained with coffee after the spill.
Conversation
I can't believe I spilled coffee on my new shirt.
Oh no! Is it really stained?
Yeah, it’s such a bright spot on a white shirt.
That’s frustrating! Maybe you can try to get it cleaned.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tinted
marked
blemished
Antonyms
clean
pure
clear
verb
Definition
To have marked or discolored something, often leaving a permanent mark.
Example
She accidentally stained her shirt with red wine.
Tense Forms
Past: stained
Past Participle: stained
Conversation
I can't believe I stained my shirt during lunch.
Oh no! What happened?
I accidentally spilled some sauce on it.
Root Explanation
Stained → It is formed from "stain" (from Old French *esteindre*, meaning to extinguish or to dim) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word "stained" means that something has been marked or discolored, as if it has been dimmed or extinguished in its original purity.
Memory Tip
Think of something that has been 'dimmed' or 'marked' — that's what it means when something is stained.
Visually Confused Words
strained
unstained
sustained
trained
stinted
stanine
satined
sainted