Langimage
English

stale

|stale|

B1

/steɪl/

no longer fresh

Etymology
Etymology Information

'stale' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'estale,' where 'estale' meant 'standing, fixed.'

Historical Evolution

'estale' changed from Old French word 'estale' and eventually became the modern English word 'stale'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'standing or fixed,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'no longer fresh or interesting.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

no longer fresh and pleasant to eat; hard, musty, or dry.

The bread was stale after being left out for a week.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

no longer new and interesting; overused.

The joke became stale after hearing it multiple times.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40