Ask Difference

Stain vs. Mark — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 12, 2024
A stain is often an unwanted discoloration, while a mark can be intentional or accidental, not always implying discoloration.
Stain vs. Mark — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Stain and Mark

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Key Differences

A stain typically refers to an unwanted or accidental discoloration on surfaces or fabrics, often difficult to remove. It's usually the result of a spill, smear, or exposure to substances like food, ink, or chemicals. Marks, on the other hand, encompass a wider range of indications, including scratches, imprints, or writings, which can be either intentional, like a signature, or accidental, like a scuff.
Stains are often associated with a negative connotation, implying damage or soiling that detracts from the appearance of the affected material. They can penetrate the surface or fabric, making them challenging to eliminate. Marks, however, can be superficial or deep and don't always carry a negative implication. For example, an artist's mark is intentional and valued.
The removal of stains usually requires specific cleaning agents or techniques tailored to the type of stain and the stained material. This process can involve detergents, solvents, or bleaching agents to break down or lift the discoloration. In contrast, marks might be removed through cleaning, but some, like engravings or tattoos, are permanent or meant to last.
Stains can sometimes alter the texture or integrity of the material, especially if corrosive substances are involved or if the stain remains untreated for a long period. Marks may also cause physical alterations, like scratches on a surface, but can also be simple imprints or writings that leave the material otherwise unchanged.
In summary, stains are primarily unwanted discolorations that suggest soiling or damage, often requiring effort to remove, whereas marks can be either detrimental or beneficial, depending on their context and intention. Both can impact the appearance and value of the affected item but in different ways and with varying permanence.
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Comparison Chart

Nature

Unwanted discoloration
Intentional or accidental indication

Implication

Often negative, implying damage or soiling
Can be positive or negative

Removal

May require specific cleaning agents or techniques
Varies; can be temporary or permanent

Effect on Material

Can alter texture or integrity
May cause physical alterations or be superficial

Examples

Wine on carpet, rust on metal
Signature, scratch on wood

Compare with Definitions

Stain

Unwanted discoloration due to spills or exposure to substances.
A red wine stain on a white shirt.

Mark

Can be an intentional or accidental indication.
A mark made by a pen on a book margin.

Stain

Often challenging to remove, requiring specific cleaning methods.
Using a stain remover to tackle a grass stain on jeans.

Mark

Removal and permanence depend on the type and purpose of the mark.
Temporary chalk marks on a construction site.

Stain

Can penetrate and sometimes damage the material.
An oil stain on a driveway can darken and degrade the concrete over time.

Mark

Encompasses a range of indications like scratches, imprints, or writings.
A child's crayon marks on the wall.

Stain

Usually has a negative impact on the appearance.
Coffee stains on documents can make them look unprofessional.

Mark

Not always related to discoloration; can include physical alterations.
Scratches on a car's surface.

Stain

Associated with soiling or contamination.
Mud stains on boots after a hike.

Mark

Some marks are valued or serve a purpose.
An artist's signature on a painting.

Stain

A stain is a discoloration that can be clearly distinguished from the surface, material, or medium it is found upon. They are caused by the chemical or physical interaction of two dissimilar materials.

Mark

Insert punctuation marks into

Stain

To discolor, soil, or spot
The spilled juice stained the carpet.

Mark

A small area on a surface having a different colour from its surroundings, typically one caused by damage or dirt
The blow left a red mark down one side of her face

Stain

To bring into disrepute; taint or tarnish
The scandal stained the mayor's reputation.

Mark

A line, figure, or symbol made as an indication or record of something
The first syllable has a stress mark

Stain

To change the color of (a piece of wood, for example) by applying a stain.

Mark

A point awarded for a correct answer or for proficiency in an examination or competition
Many candidates lose marks because they don't read the questions carefully
Full marks to them for highlighting the threat to the rainforest

Stain

To treat (a specimen for the microscope) with a reagent or dye in order to identify cell or tissue structures or microorganisms.

Mark

(followed by a numeral) a particular model or type of a vehicle or machine
A Mark 10 Jaguar

Stain

To produce or receive discolorations
Upholstery that stains easily.

Mark

A target
Few bullets could have missed their mark

Stain

A discolored or soiled spot or smudge
A stain that was difficult to scrub out.

Mark

The act of cleanly catching the ball direct from a kick, knock-on, or forward throw by an opponent, on or behind one's own 22-metre line, and exclaiming ‘Mark’, after which a free kick can be taken by the catcher.

Stain

A diminishment of one's moral character or good reputation by being associated with something disgraceful.

Mark

(until the introduction of the euro in 2002) the basic monetary unit of Germany, equal to 100 pfennig; a Deutschmark
Germany spent billions of marks to save the French franc from speculators

Stain

A liquid substance applied especially to wood that penetrates the surface and imparts a rich color.

Mark

A former English and Scottish money of account, equal to thirteen shillings and four pence in the currency of the day
Sir William left 500 marks for repairing the road to Cambridge

Stain

A reagent or dye used for staining microscopic specimens.

Mark

The basic monetary unit of Bosnia and Herzegovina, equal to 100 fening.

Stain

A discoloured spot or area.

Mark

Make a visible impression or stain on
He fingered the photograph gently, careful not to mark it

Stain

A blemish on one's character or reputation.

Mark

Write a word or symbol on (an object) in order to give information
She marked all her possessions with her name

Stain

A substance used to soak into a surface and colour it.

Mark

Indicate the position of
The top of the pass marks the border between Alaska and the Yukon

Stain

A reagent or dye used to stain microscope specimens so as to make some structures visible.

Mark

(of a teacher or examiner) assess the standard of (written work) by assigning points for proficiency or correct answers
The examiner may have hundreds of scripts to mark

Stain

(heraldry) Any of a number of non-standard tinctures used in modern heraldry.

Mark

Notice or pay careful attention to
He'll leave you, you mark my words!

Stain

To taint or tarnish someone's character or reputation

Mark

(of a player in a team game) stay close to (an opponent) in order to prevent them getting or passing the ball
Each central defender marks one attacker

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

See Table at Bible.

Stain

(intransitive) To become stained; to take a stain.

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 treat (a microscopic specimen) with a dye, especially one that dyes specific features

Mark

A name, logo, or other indicator used to indicate ownership, origin, or level of quality.

Stain

To cause to seem inferior or soiled by comparison.

Mark

A notch made in an animal's ear or hide to indicate ownership.

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 sign, such as a cross, made in lieu of a signature.

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 written or printed symbol used for punctuation; a punctuation mark.

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 number, letter, or symbol used to indicate various grades of academic achievement
Got a mark of 95 instead of 100.

Stain

To give or receive a stain; to grow dim.

Mark

Often marks An appraisal; a rating
Earned high marks from her superiors.

Stain

A discoloration by foreign matter; a spot; as, a stain on a garment or cloth.

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 natural spot of a color different from the gound.
Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains.

Mark

A Plimsoll mark.

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

A distinctive trait or property
Good manners are the mark of a civilized person.

Stain

Cause of reproach; shame.

Mark

A recognized standard of quality
Schoolwork that is not up to the mark.

Stain

A tincture; a tinge.
You have some stain of soldier in you.

Mark

A lasting effect
The experience had left its mark on all of us.

Stain

A soiled or discolored appearance;
The wine left a dark stain

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

(microscopy) a dye or other coloring material that is used in microscopy to make structures visible

Mark

Importance; prominence
"a fellow of no mark nor likelihood" (Shakespeare).

Stain

The state of being covered with unclean things

Mark

Notice; attention
A matter unworthy of mark.

Stain

A symbol of disgrace or infamy;
And the Lord set a mark upon Cain

Mark

A target
"A mounted officer would be a conspicuous mark" (Ambrose Bierce).

Stain

An act that brings discredit to the person who does it;
He made a huge blot on his copybook

Mark

Something that one wishes to achieve; a goal.

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

An object or point that serves as a guide.

Stain

Produce or leave stains;
Red wine stains the table cloth

Mark

(Slang) A person who is the intended victim of a swindler; a dupe.

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

(Sports) The place from which racers begin and sometimes end their contest.

Stain

Color for microscopic study;
The laboratory worker dyed the specimen

Mark

A point reached or gained
The halfway mark of the race.

Mark

A record
Set a new mark in the long jump.

Mark

A strike or spare in bowling.

Mark

A stationary ball in lawn bowling; a jack.

Mark

A boundary between countries.

Mark

A tract of land in medieval England and Germany held in common by a community.

Mark

(Computers) A character or feature in a file, record, or data stream used to locate a specific point or condition.

Mark

In Arthurian legend, a king of Cornwall who was the husband of Iseult and the uncle of her lover Tristan.

Mark

An English and Scottish unit of currency that was equal to 13 shillings and 4 pence.

Mark

Any of several European units of weight that were equal to about 8 ounces (227 grams), used especially for weighing gold and silver.

Mark

A deutsche mark.

Mark

A markka.

Mark

To make a visible trace or impression on, as with a spot, line, or dent
Marked the wall with a crayon.

Mark

To form, make, or depict by making a mark
Marked a square on the board.

Mark

To supply with natural markings
Gray fur that is marked with stripes.

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.

Mark

To distinguish or characterize
The exuberance that marks her writings.
Marked the occasion with celebrations.

Mark

To make conspicuous
A concert marking the composer's 60th birthday.

Mark

To set off or separate by or as if by a line or boundary
Marked off the limits of our property.

Mark

To attach or affix identification, such as a price tag or maker's label, to.

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

(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 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

Common Curiosities

Can marks have positive connotations?

Yes, marks can have positive connotations, such as signatures, artistic marks, or intentional designs.

Can a mark be considered a stain?

While some marks may cause discoloration and be considered stains, not all marks are stains, as they can also include physical alterations without discoloration.

Is a scratch a mark or a stain?

A scratch is considered a mark, as it involves a physical alteration of the surface rather than a discoloration.

What are some common methods for removing stains?

Common methods include using detergents, solvents, bleach, or specialized stain removers, depending on the stain type and affected material.

How can I distinguish between a stain and a mark?

A stain primarily indicates unwanted discoloration, while a mark can be any indication, not necessarily involving discoloration.

Are all stains permanent?

Not all stains are permanent; many can be removed with appropriate cleaning methods, although some may be more stubborn.

How do professionals deal with tough stains?

Professionals use specialized cleaning agents and techniques, often tailored to the specific type of stain and material affected.

Are there preventive measures for stains?

Preventive measures include using protective coatings, being cautious with potentially staining substances, and prompt cleaning of spills.

What defines a stain?

A stain is defined as an unwanted discoloration on a surface or fabric, often resulting from spills or contact with staining substances.

Can a mark become a stain over time?

In some cases, a mark could become a stain if it leads to discoloration or is treated with substances that cause staining.

Do stains always affect the material's integrity?

Not always, but certain stains, especially from corrosive substances, can affect the material's texture or integrity.

Can the same substance cause both a stain and a mark?

Yes, depending on the context and surface, a substance like ink could cause a discoloration (stain) or a deliberate indication (mark).

How does sunlight affect stains and marks?

Sunlight can cause some stains to fade, but it can also set others, making them more difficult to remove. Some marks may become more pronounced or fade under sunlight.

Are there any artistic uses for stains and marks?

Yes, artists sometimes intentionally use stains and marks as part of their creative process to add texture, depth, or meaning to their work.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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