ed, and which may or may not be permanent. Thus, a
character "_dyed_ in the wool" is one that has received some early,
permanent, and pervading influence; a character _stained_ with crime or
guilt is debased and perverted. _Stain_ is, however, used of giving an
intended and perhaps pleasing color to wood, glass, etc., by an
application of coloring-matter which enters the substance a little below
the surface, in distinction from painting, in which coloring-matter is
spread upon the surface; _dyeing_ is generally said of wool, yarn,
cloth, or similar materials which are dipped into the _coloring_ liquid.
Figuratively, a standard or a garment may be _dyed_ with blood in
honorable warfare; an assassin's weapon is _stained_ with the blood of
his victim. To _tinge_ is to _color_ slightly, and may also be used of
giving a slight flavor, or a slight admixture of one ingredient or
quality with another that is more pronounced.

* * * * *

STATE.

Synonyms:

affirm, aver, declare, predicate, set forth,
allege, avouch, depose, pronounce, specify,
assert, avow, express, propound, swear,
asseverate, certify, inform, protest, tell,
assure, claim, maintain, say, testify.

To _state_ (L. _sto_, stand) is to _set forth_ explicitly, formally, or
particularly in speech or writing. _Assert_ (L. _ad_, to, and _sero_,
bind) is strongly personal, signifying to _state_ boldly and positively
what the one making the statement has not attempted and may not attempt
to prove. _Affirm_ has less of egotism than _assert_ (as seen in the
word _self-assertion_), coming nearer to _aver_. It has more solemnity
than _declare_, and more composure and dignity than _asseverate_, which
is to _assert_ excitedly. In legal usage, _affirm_ has a general
agreement with _depose_ and _testify_; it differs from _swear_ in not
invoking the name of God. To _assure_ is to _state_ with such authority
and confidence as the speaker feels ought to make the hearer sure.
_Certify_ is more formal, and applies rather to written documents or
legal processes. _Assure_, _certify_, _inform_, apply to the person;
_affirm_, etc., to the thing. _Assert_ is combative; _assure_ is
conciliatory. I _assert_ my right to cross the river; I _assure_ my
friend it is perfectly safe. To _aver_ is to _state_ positively what is
within one's own knowledge or matter of deep conviction. One may
_as