What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stained
Example
The white shirt was stained with red wine. [stained: verb]
Example
The politician's reputation was stained by the scandal. [stained: adjective]
Example
She felt stained by her involvement in the cheating scandal. [stained: adjective]
tainted
Example
The water was tainted with lead. [tainted: adjective]
Example
The results of the experiment were tainted by faulty equipment. [tainted: verb]
Example
His reputation was tainted by his association with the criminal organization. [tainted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stained is more commonly used than tainted in everyday language, especially when referring to physical objects. Tainted is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as discussing food safety or environmental pollution.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stained and tainted?
Tainted is generally considered more formal than stained, and is often used in technical or scientific contexts. Stained is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
