Stain vs. Mark: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 11, 2023
A "stain" is a discoloration that’s hard to remove, while a "mark" is a noticeable impression or discoloration, not always permanent.
Key Differences
A "stain" typically implies a discoloration that is unintended and unwelcome, often hard to remove. Conversely, a "mark" encompasses a wider range of impressions, which may be intentional or unintentional, permanent or temporary.
"Stain" generally denotes a negative context, highlighting an impurity or imperfection. "Mark", on the other hand, could have neutral, positive, or negative connotations, based on the context it is used in.
The origin of a "stain" is mostly accidental, such as a spill. While a "mark" can be accidental or intentional, like markings to indicate measurements or accidental scratches.
The permanence is often assumed with "stain," suggesting a longer-lasting impact. "Mark" does not implicitly carry this duration aspect, it might be temporary or permanent.
In usage, "stain" is often associated with fabrics and surfaces, whereas "mark" can be used in varied contexts including physical, metaphorical, and abstract senses.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Generally negative
Can be neutral, positive, or negative
Intentionality
Mostly unintentional
Can be intentional or unintentional
Duration
Implies permanence
Can be temporary or permanent
Usage Context
Commonly on fabrics/surfaces
Varied contexts
Example Sentence
The wine left a stain on the carpet.
Mark the spot where you will drill.
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Stain and Mark Definitions
Stain
A discoloration that is difficult to remove.
The red wine left a stain on the white shirt.
Mark
A visible impression or trace on something.
The chair left a mark on the wall.
Stain
A smear of a pen or ink.
Be careful with that pen; it might stain.
Mark
To take notice of something.
Mark my words, this will be important.
Stain
To discolor, soil, or spot
The spilled juice stained the carpet.
Mark
See Table at Bible.
Stain
To bring into disrepute; taint or tarnish
The scandal stained the mayor's reputation.
Mark
A visible trace or impression, such as a line or spot
A spill that left a mark on the rug.
A mark next to each purchased item on the list.
Stain
To change the color of (a piece of wood, for example) by applying a stain.
Mark
A name, logo, or other indicator used to indicate ownership, origin, or level of quality.
Stain
To treat (a specimen for the microscope) with a reagent or dye in order to identify cell or tissue structures or microorganisms.
Mark
A notch made in an animal's ear or hide to indicate ownership.
Stain
To produce or receive discolorations
Upholstery that stains easily.
Mark
A sign, such as a cross, made in lieu of a signature.
Stain
A discolored or soiled spot or smudge
A stain that was difficult to scrub out.
Mark
A written or printed symbol used for punctuation; a punctuation mark.
Stain
A diminishment of one's moral character or good reputation by being associated with something disgraceful.
Mark
A number, letter, or symbol used to indicate various grades of academic achievement
Got a mark of 95 instead of 100.
Stain
A liquid substance applied especially to wood that penetrates the surface and imparts a rich color.
Mark
Often marks An appraisal; a rating
Earned high marks from her superiors.
Stain
A reagent or dye used for staining microscopic specimens.
Mark
A knot or piece of material placed at various measured lengths on a sounding line to indicate the depth of the water.
Stain
A discoloured spot or area.
Mark
A Plimsoll mark.
Stain
A blemish on one's character or reputation.
Mark
A distinctive trait or property
Good manners are the mark of a civilized person.
Stain
A substance used to soak into a surface and colour it.
Mark
A recognized standard of quality
Schoolwork that is not up to the mark.
Stain
A reagent or dye used to stain microscope specimens so as to make some structures visible.
Mark
A lasting effect
The experience had left its mark on all of us.
Stain
(heraldry) Any of a number of non-standard tinctures used in modern heraldry.
Mark
A specific model, type, or iteration, as of a product or machine, especially when part of a series. Usually used with a number
The mark IV model of this car.
Stain
(transitive) To discolour.
To stain the hand with dye
Armour stained with blood
Mark
Importance; prominence
"a fellow of no mark nor likelihood" (Shakespeare).
Stain
To taint or tarnish someone's character or reputation
Mark
Notice; attention
A matter unworthy of mark.
Stain
To coat a surface with a stain
To stain wood with acids, coloured washes, paint rubbed in, etc.
The stained glass used for church windows
Mark
A target
"A mounted officer would be a conspicuous mark" (Ambrose Bierce).
Stain
(intransitive) To become stained; to take a stain.
Mark
Something that one wishes to achieve; a goal.
Stain
To treat (a microscopic specimen) with a dye, especially one that dyes specific features
Mark
An object or point that serves as a guide.
Stain
To cause to seem inferior or soiled by comparison.
Mark
(Slang) A person who is the intended victim of a swindler; a dupe.
Stain
To discolor by the application of foreign matter; to make foul; to spot; as, to stain the hand with dye; armor stained with blood.
Mark
(Sports) The place from which racers begin and sometimes end their contest.
Stain
To color, as wood, glass, paper, cloth, or the like, by processes affecting, chemically or otherwise, the material itself; to tinge with a color or colors combining with, or penetrating, the substance; to dye; as, to stain wood with acids, colored washes, paint rubbed in, etc.; to stain glass.
Mark
A point reached or gained
The halfway mark of the race.
Stain
To spot with guilt or infamy; to bring reproach on; to blot; to soil; to tarnish.
Of honor void,Of innocence, of faith, of purity,Our wonted ornaments now soiled and stained.
Mark
A record
Set a new mark in the long jump.
Stain
To cause to seem inferior or soiled by comparison.
She stains the ripest virgins of her age.
That did all other beasts in beauty stain.
Mark
A strike or spare in bowling.
Stain
To give or receive a stain; to grow dim.
Mark
A stationary ball in lawn bowling; a jack.
Stain
A discoloration by foreign matter; a spot; as, a stain on a garment or cloth.
Mark
A boundary between countries.
Stain
A natural spot of a color different from the gound.
Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains.
Mark
A tract of land in medieval England and Germany held in common by a community.
Stain
Taint of guilt; tarnish; disgrace; reproach.
Nor death itself can wholly wash their stains.
Our opinion . . . is, I trust, without any blemish or stain of heresy.
Mark
(Computers) A character or feature in a file, record, or data stream used to locate a specific point or condition.
Stain
Cause of reproach; shame.
Mark
In Arthurian legend, a king of Cornwall who was the husband of Iseult and the uncle of her lover Tristan.
Stain
A tincture; a tinge.
You have some stain of soldier in you.
Mark
An English and Scottish unit of currency that was equal to 13 shillings and 4 pence.
Stain
A soiled or discolored appearance;
The wine left a dark stain
Mark
Any of several European units of weight that were equal to about 8 ounces (227 grams), used especially for weighing gold and silver.
Stain
(microscopy) a dye or other coloring material that is used in microscopy to make structures visible
Mark
A deutsche mark.
Stain
The state of being covered with unclean things
Mark
A markka.
Stain
A symbol of disgrace or infamy;
And the Lord set a mark upon Cain
Mark
To make a visible trace or impression on, as with a spot, line, or dent
Marked the wall with a crayon.
Stain
An act that brings discredit to the person who does it;
He made a huge blot on his copybook
Mark
To form, make, or depict by making a mark
Marked a square on the board.
Stain
Color with a liquid dye or tint;
Stain this table a beautiful walnut color
People knew how to stain glass a beautiful blue in the middle ages
Mark
To supply with natural markings
Gray fur that is marked with stripes.
Stain
Produce or leave stains;
Red wine stains the table cloth
Mark
To single out or indicate by or as if by a mark
Marked the spot where the treasure was buried.
A career marked for glory.
Stain
Make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically;
The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air
Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man
Mark
To distinguish or characterize
The exuberance that marks her writings.
Marked the occasion with celebrations.
Stain
Color for microscopic study;
The laboratory worker dyed the specimen
Mark
To make conspicuous
A concert marking the composer's 60th birthday.
Stain
A moral defect or taint.
His actions left a stain on his honor.
Mark
To set off or separate by or as if by a line or boundary
Marked off the limits of our property.
Stain
A dye or tint used to color a material.
She used a dark stain for the wooden table.
Mark
To attach or affix identification, such as a price tag or maker's label, to.
Stain
A sign of something morally harmful or detestable.
The stain of injustice lingered in the society.
Mark
To evaluate (academic work) according to a scale of letters or numbers; grade.
Mark
To give attention to; notice
Mark her expression of discontent. Mark my words.
Mark
To take note of in writing; write down
Marked the appointment on my calendar.
Mark
Sports & Games To record (the score) in various games.
Mark
(Sports) To guard (an opponent), as in soccer.
Mark
To make a visible impression
This pen will mark under water.
Mark
To receive a visible impression
The floor marks easily.
Mark
Sports & Games To keep score.
Mark
To determine academic grades
A teacher who marks strictly.
Mark
(heading) Boundary, land within a boundary.
Mark
(obsolete) A boundary; a border or frontier.
Mark
(obsolete) A boundary-post or fence.
Mark
A stone or post used to indicate position and guide travellers.
Mark
(archaic) A type of small region or principality.
Mark
(historical) A common, or area of common land, especially among early Germanic peoples.
Mark
(heading) Characteristic, sign, visible impression.
Mark
An omen; a symptomatic indicator of something.
Mark
A characteristic feature.
A good sense of manners is the mark of a true gentleman.
Mark
A visible impression or sign; a blemish, scratch, or stain, whether accidental or intentional.
Mark
A sign or brand on a person.
Mark
A written character or sign.
The font wasn't able to render all the diacritical marks properly.
Mark
A stamp or other indication of provenance, quality etc.
With eggs, you need to check for the quality mark before you buy.
Mark
(obsolete) Resemblance, likeness, image.
Mark
A particular design or make of an item now usually with following numeral.
I am proud to present my patented travelator, mark two.
Mark
A score for finding the correct answer, or other academic achievement; the sum of such points gained as out of a possible total.
What mark did you get in your history test?
Mark
(heading) Indicator of position, objective etc.
Mark
A target for shooting at with a projectile.
Mark
An indication or sign used for reference or measurement.
I filled the bottle up to the 500ml mark.
Mark
The target or intended victim of a swindle, fixed game or con game.
Mark
(obsolete) The female genitals.
Mark
(Rugby football, Australian rules football) A catch of the ball directly from a kick of 10 metres or more without having been touched in transit, resulting in a free kick.
Mark
(sports) The line indicating an athlete's starting-point.
Mark
A score for a sporting achievement.
Mark
An official note that is added to a record kept about someone's behavior or performance.
Mark
(cooking) A specified level on a scale denoting gas-powered oven temperatures.
Now put the pastry in at 450 degrees, or mark 8.
Mark
(product design/engineering) The model number of a device; a device model.
The Mark I system had poor radar, and the Mark II was too expensive; regardless, most antiaircraft direction remained the responsibility of the Mark I Eyeball (as the jocular phrase calls it): that is, the operator's eye.
Mark
Limit or standard of action or fact.
To be within the mark
To come up to the mark
Mark
Badge or sign of honour, rank, or official station.
Mark
(archaic) Preeminence; high position.
Patricians of mark
A fellow of no mark
Mark
(logic) A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential.
Mark
(nautical) One of the bits of leather or coloured bunting placed upon a sounding line at intervals of from two to five fathoms. (The unmarked fathoms are called "deeps".)
Mark
(heading) Attention.
Mark
(archaic) Attention, notice.
His last comment is particularly worthy of mark.
Mark
Importance, noteworthiness. Generally in postmodifier “of mark”.
Mark
(obsolete) Regard; respect.
Mark
A measure of weight (especially for gold and silver), once used throughout Europe, equivalent to 8 oz.
Mark
An English and Scottish unit of currency (originally valued at one mark weight of silver), equivalent to 13 shillings and fourpence.
Mark
Any of various European monetary units, especially the base unit of currency of (West) Germany between 1948 and 2002, equal to 100 pfennigs.
Mark
A coin worth one mark.
Mark
To put a mark on (something); to make (something) recognizable by a mark; to label or write on (something).
To mark a box or bale of merchandise
To mark clothing with one's name
Mark
To leave a mark (often an undesirable or unwanted one) on (something).
See where this pencil has marked the paper.
The floor was marked with wine and blood.
Mark
(figurative) To have a long-lasting negative impact on (someone or something).
Mark
To create an indication of (a location).
She folded over the corner of the page to mark where she left off reading.
Some animals mark their territory by urinating.
Mark
To be an indication of (something); to show where (something) is located.
This monument marks the spot where Wolfe died.
A bell marked the end of visiting hours.
Mark
To indicate (something) in writing or by other symbols.
Prices are marked on individual items.
In her Bible, the words of Christ were marked in red.
Mark
To create (a mark) on a surface.
Mark
To celebrate or acknowledge (an event) through an action of some kind.
The national holiday is marked by fireworks.
Mark
(of things) To identify (someone as a particular type of person or as having a particular role).
His courage and energy marked him as a leader.
Mark
(of people) To assign (someone) to a particular category or class.
Mark
(of people) To choose or intend (someone) for a particular end or purpose.
Mark
To be a point in time or space at which something takes place; to accompany or be accompanied by (an event, action, etc.); to coincide with.
The creek marks the boundary between the two farms.
That summer marked the beginning of her obsession with cycling.
Mark
To be typical or characteristic of (something).
Mark
To distinguish (one person or thing from another).
Mark
To focus one's attention on (something or someone); to pay attention to, to take note of.
Mark my words: that boy’s up to no good.
Mark
(dated) To become aware of (something) through the physical senses.
Mark
To hold (someone) in one's line of sight.
Mark
To indicate the correctness of and give a score to (a school assignment, exam answers, etc.).
The teacher had to spend her weekend marking all the tests.
Mark
To record that (someone) has a particular status.
To mark a student absent.
Mark
To keep account of; to enumerate and register; to keep score.
To mark the points in a game of billiards or a card game
Mark
(sports) To follow a player not in possession of the ball when defending, to prevent them receiving a pass easily.
Mark
(Australian rules football) To catch the ball directly from a kick of 15 metres or more without having been touched in transit, resulting in a free kick.
Mark
(golf) To put a marker in the place of one's ball.
Mark
(singing) To sing softly, sometimes an octave lower than usual, in order to protect one's voice during a rehearsal.
Mark
Alternative form of march.
Mark time, mark!
Forward, mark!
Mark
A license of reprisals. See Marque.
Mark
An old weight and coin. See Marc.
Mark
The unit of monetary account of the German Empire, equal to 23.8 cents of United States money (1913); the equivalent of one hundred pfennigs. Also, a silver coin of this value. The unit was retained by subsequent German states up to the time of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1995, the value was approximately 65 cents American. In 1999 it began to be superseded by the Euro as a unit of currency in Germany and throughout much of the European union.
Mark
A visible sign or impression made or left upon anything; esp., a line, point, stamp, figure, or the like, drawn or impressed, so as to attract the attention and convey some information or intimation; a token; a trace.
The Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
Mark
A character or device put on an article of merchandise by the maker to show by whom it was made; a trade-mark.
The mark of the artisan is found upon the most ancient fabrics that have come to light.
Mark
A fixed object serving for guidance, as of a ship, a traveler, a surveyor, etc.; as, a seamark, a landmark.
Mark
A trace, dot, line, imprint, or discoloration, although not regarded as a token or sign; a scratch, scar, stain, etc.; as, this pencil makes a fine mark.
I have some marks of yours upon my pate.
Mark
An evidence of presence, agency, or influence; a significative token; a symptom; a trace; specifically, a permanent impression of one's activity or character.
The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation.
Mark
That toward which a missile is directed; a thing aimed at; what one seeks to hit or reach.
France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland.
Whate'er the motive, pleasure is the mark.
Mark
Attention, regard, or respect.
As much in mock as mark.
Mark
Limit or standard of action or fact; as, to be within the mark; to come up to the mark.
Mark
Badge or sign of honor, rank, or official station.
In the official marks invested, youAnon do meet the Senate.
Mark
Preëminence; high position; as, patricians of mark; a fellow of no mark.
Mark
A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential.
Mark
A number or other character used in registering; as, examination marks; a mark for tardiness.
Mark
Image; likeness; hence, those formed in one's image; children; descendants.
Mark
One of the bits of leather or colored bunting which are placed upon a sounding line at intervals of from two to five fathoms. The unmarked fathoms are called "deeps."
Mark
To put a mark upon; to affix a significant mark to; to make recognizable by a mark; as, to mark a box or bale of merchandise; to mark clothing.
Mark
To be a mark upon; to designate; to indicate; - used literally and figuratively; as, this monument marks the spot where Wolfe died; his courage and energy marked him for a leader.
Mark
To leave a trace, scratch, scar, or other mark, upon, or any evidence of action; as, a pencil marks paper; his hobnails marked the floor.
Mark
To keep account of; to enumerate and register; as, to mark the points in a game of billiards or cards.
Mark
To notice or observe; to give attention to; to take note of; to remark; to heed; to regard; as, mark my words.
Mark
To take particular notice; to observe critically; to note; to remark.
Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief.
Mark
A number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance);
She made good marks in algebra
Grade A milk
What was your score on your homework?
Mark
A distinguishing symbol;
The owner's mark was on all the sheep
Mark
A reference point to shoot at;
His arrow hit the mark
Mark
A visible indication made on a surface;
Some previous reader had covered the pages with dozens of marks
Paw prints were everywhere
Mark
The impression created by doing something unusual or extraordinary that people notice and remember;
It was in London that he made his mark
He left an indelible mark on the American theater
Mark
A symbol of disgrace or infamy;
And the Lord set a mark upon Cain
Mark
Formerly the basic unit of money in Germany
Mark
Apostle and companion of Saint Peter; assumed to be the author of the second Gospel
Mark
A person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
Mark
A written or printed symbol (as for punctuation);
His answer was just a punctuation mark
Mark
A perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened);
He showed signs of strain
They welcomed the signs of spring
Mark
The shortest of the four Gospels in the New Testament
Mark
An indication of damage
Mark
Marking consisting of crossing lines
Mark
Something that exactly succeeds in achieving its goal;
The new advertising campaign was a bell ringer
Scored a bull's eye
Hit the mark
The president's speech was a home run
Mark
Attach a tag or label to;
Label these bottles
Mark
Designate as if by a mark;
This sign marks the border
He indicated where the border ended
Mark
Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense;
His modesty distinguishes him form his peers
Mark
Mark by some ceremony or observation;
We marked the anniversary of his death
Mark
Make or leave a mark on;
Mark the trail so that we can find our way back
Mark
To accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful;
He denounced the government action
She was stigmatized by society because she had a child out of wedlock
Mark
Notice or perceive;
She noted that someone was following her
Mark my words
Mark
Mark with a scar;
The skin disease scarred his face permanently
Mark
Make small marks into the surface of;
Score the clay before firing it
Mark
Establish as the highest level or best performance;
Set a record
Mark
Make underscoring marks
Mark
Remove from a list;
Cross the name of the dead person off the list
Mark
Put a check mark on or next to;
Please check each name on the list
Tick off the items
Mark
Assign a grade or rank to, according to one's evaluation;
Grade tests
Score the SAT essays
Mark homework
Mark
Insert punctuation marks into
Mark
A symbol, name, or other identifier.
His name left a mark in the industry.
Mark
A score or grade in an exam or test.
She got high marks on her examination.
Mark
A target or goal.
The sales team hit their mark for the month.
FAQs
Can "stain" refer to a moral or reputational blemish?
Yes, "stain" can metaphorically refer to a moral flaw or disgrace.
Are all stains permanent?
No, some stains can be removed, though the term often suggests difficulty in removal.
Is "stain" always used in a negative context?
Predominantly, yes. "Stain" often refers to unwanted discoloration.
Can "mark" refer to a symbol or sign?
Absolutely, "mark" can refer to a symbol, indicator, or sign.
Is it correct to say "leave a stain"?
Yes, it's a common phrase used to describe creating an unwanted discoloration.
Is "mark" applicable in business terminology?
Yes, it can refer to a target or goal in a business context.
Is a "mark" always visible?
Not always. "Mark" can be used metaphorically to denote an impression or impact that is not physically visible.
Can "mark" have a positive connotation?
Yes, "mark" can be neutral, negative, or positive depending on context.
Can "mark" be used in a sporting context?
Yes, "mark" can refer to a target, goal, or a position in sports.
Does "mark" always imply intentionality?
No, a "mark" can be created intentionally or accidentally.
Can "stain" be intentional?
While typically accidental, "stain" can be intentional, as in intentionally coloring wood with wood stain.
Can "mark" refer to a notable occurrence?
Yes, it might denote an important moment or occurrence, e.g., "a mark in history".
Can "mark" be used as a verb?
Yes, "mark" can be used as a verb, meaning to make a visible impression or notice something.
Is "stain" used in both literal and metaphorical senses?
Yes, "stain" can refer to both physical discoloration and metaphorical blemishes.
Can you use "stain" to refer to tarnishing one’s reputation?
Yes, you can metaphorically refer to harming a reputation as staining it.
Can "mark" refer to academic performance?
Yes, "mark" can refer to the score or grade obtained in an exam.
Can "stain" be used as a verb?
Yes, "stain" can be used as a verb, meaning to accidentally or intentionally apply color.
Can fabrics be stained by colors other than red wine or ink?
Absolutely, fabrics can be stained by numerous substances, including food, chemicals, etc.
Does "stain" only refer to liquids?
No, "stain" can refer to discoloration from solids, liquids, or gases.
Is it possible to "miss the mark"?
Yes, this phrase means to fail to achieve a goal or target.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
