Langimage
English

accidentally-stale

|ac-ci-den-tal-ly-stale|

B2

/ˌæksɪˈdɛntəli steɪl/

(stale)

no longer fresh

Base FormPastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlative
stalestaledstaledstalingstalerstalest
Etymology
Etymology Information

'stale' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'estale,' where 'estale' meant 'standing, not fresh.'

Historical Evolution

'estale' transformed into the Middle English word 'stale,' and eventually became the modern English word 'stale.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'standing or not fresh,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'no longer fresh or effective.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

unintentionally no longer fresh or effective.

The bread became accidentally-stale after being left out overnight.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/28 20:22