English Reference
adjective · verb

stained

adj. · v.
US /ˈsteɪnd/ UK /stˈeɪnd/ stained

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.having a dirty mark that is difficult or impossible to wash away.

    adj.marked with a discolouration that has penetrated the surface and is resistant to standard cleaning.

    Simple

    He was embarrassed because his favorite white shirt was stained with coffee.

    In context

    The carpet in the hallway was badly stained from years of heavy foot traffic and accidental spills that were never properly treated.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.coloured by a special liquid that soaks into the material, like wood or glass.

    adj.treated with a pigment or dye that penetrates the substrate to alter its colour while often leaving the texture visible.

    Simple

    The dark stained wood of the table made the room look very elegant.

    In context

    The sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting vibrant patterns of red and blue across the stone floor of the cathedral.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced LiteraryFormal

    v.to have damaged someone's reputation or good name.

    v.to have brought reproach or disgrace upon a person's character or record. Transitive in this figurative sense.

    Simple

    The scandal stained his reputation for the rest of his career.

    In context

    The allegations of corruption stained the minister's legacy, overshadowing the significant social reforms he had implemented during his first term.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated