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noun

la mancha

stain

Señal o marca que queda en una superficie por suciedad, líquido o color, y que suele verse diferente al resto.

Definition & meaning

The word "mancha" primarily refers to a mark, spot, or stain on a surface that differs in color or texture from the surrounding area. It can be used in several contexts:

  1. Physical Stain: A mark left by a substance like ink, wine, or oil on clothing, furniture, or skin.
  2. Natural Patterns: Spots on the skin of an animal, such as a leopard, or natural markings on fruit and plants.
  3. Metaphorical Blemish: A disgrace or tarnish on a person's reputation or honor.
  4. Proper Noun: When capitalized (La Mancha), it refers to an extensive natural region in central Spain, famous for being the setting of the novel "Don Quixote."

Grammar & Word origin

"Mancha" is a feminine noun (la mancha). It is derived from the Latin word macula, which also means "spot" or "blemish."

Additionally, "mancha" serves as the third-person singular present indicative form and the second-person singular imperative form of the verb manchar , which means "to stain" or "to soil."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms (as a noun):

  • Mota : Usually refers to a very small speck or piece of dust.
  • Borrón : Often used for an ink blot or a smudge on paper.
  • Mácula : A more formal or poetic term for a stain or blemish.
  • Pinta : Often refers to a spot or mark on an animal or a surface.

Antonyms (as a noun):

  • Limpieza : The state of being clean or the act of cleaning.
  • Pureza : Purity; the absence of any marks or moral blemishes.

Synonyms (as a verb form):

  • Ensucia : To make something dirty.
  • Tizna : Specifically to stain with soot or coal.

Antonyms (as a verb form):

  • Limpia : To remove dirt or stains.
  • Purifica : To make pure or clean.

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Examples

Vi varias manchas en la pared blanca.noun

I saw several stains on the white wall.

Limpió la mesa porque la mancha era grande.noun

He cleaned the table because the stain was big.

La mancha en la alfombra no desapareció con agua.noun

The stain on the carpet did not disappear with water.

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