What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foisty
Example
The basement had a foisty smell due to the dampness. [foisty: adjective]
Example
I had to open the windows to get rid of the foisty odor in the room. [foisty: noun]
stale
Example
The bread was stale and hard to chew. [stale: adjective]
Example
The air in the room felt stale and suffocating. [stale: adjective]
Example
The company's marketing strategy was stale and needed a fresh approach. [stale: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stale is more commonly used than foisty in everyday language. Stale is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while foisty is less common and more specific to describing unpleasant odors in indoor spaces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foisty and stale?
Both foisty and stale are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.