What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sully
Example
He tried to sully her reputation by spreading false rumors. [sully: verb]
Example
The oil spill will sully the pristine beach. [sully: verb]
stain
Example
The red wine stain on the carpet won't come out. [stain: noun]
Example
She accidentally stained her shirt with mustard. [stained: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stain is more commonly used than sully in everyday language. Stain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sully is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sully and stain?
Both sully and stain can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sully may be considered more formal due to its association with reputation and character damage.
