What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foxing
Example
The book's pages were marred by foxing caused by moisture. [foxing: noun]
Example
The old manuscript was foxed and brittle due to age. [foxed: adjective]
staining
Example
The painter was staining the wooden table with a dark finish. [staining: verb]
Example
The red wine left a stubborn stain on the white tablecloth. [stain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Staining is more commonly used than foxing in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is often used in household cleaning or DIY projects. Foxing is a more specialized term used mainly in the context of old books or documents.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between foxing and staining?
Both foxing and staining are relatively informal terms, but foxing may be more associated with academic or historical contexts due to its connection to old books or documents.
