Paste vs. Stick — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 16, 2024
Paste is a soft, moist substance used as an adhesive, while stick refers to adhering or causing to adhere, often through natural adhesion or friction.
Difference Between Paste and Stick
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Paste is typically a mixture with a semi-fluid consistency, created for the purpose of adhesion. It is made from a combination of ingredients such as water, flour, and starch, and is used in various applications like gluing paper or as a culinary ingredient. Stick, on the other hand, describes the action or condition where objects adhere to one another. This can occur through natural adhesion, like wet leaves sticking to a surface, or by applying an external substance like glue, tape, or paste.
When you use paste, you're applying a specific material to surfaces to join them together. This action involves spreading the paste onto one or both surfaces before pressing them together. Sticking, however, can be achieved by various means, not just through the application of an adhesive substance. For instance, static electricity can cause lightweight objects to stick to a surface without any paste or glue.
The effectiveness of paste as an adhesive depends on its composition and the materials being joined, requiring time to dry and set for a strong bond. The concept of sticking, however, is broader and includes temporary or less secure adhesion, such as a note sticking to a fridge with a magnet or hair sticking to a comb due to static.
Paste is often used in arts and crafts, bookbinding, and wallpaper application, where a reliable adhesive is needed. The action of sticking is observed in a wider range of contexts, from everyday scenarios like stickers adhering to a surface, to scientific applications where cells stick to a petri dish.
While paste and stick are related through the concept of adhesion, paste is a substance used to achieve sticking, which is the broader outcome or condition of objects adhering to one another or to surfaces.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A soft, moist adhesive substance.
The action or condition of adhering.
Application
Applied to surfaces for adhesion.
Can occur naturally or through an adhesive.
Composition
Made from water, flour, starch, etc.
Not a material, but a result of adhesion or friction.
Usage
Arts, crafts, bookbinding.
Broad, from everyday use to scientific contexts.
Adhesion
Requires time to dry and set.
Can be immediate or temporary, depending on method.
Compare with Definitions
Paste
A substance used for sticking objects together, made from water and a starch-based ingredient.
She used flour paste to adhere the poster to the wall.
Stick
To cause to adhere, as with glue or tape.
She stuck the photos into the album using double-sided tape.
Paste
A thick, soft, moist substance applied to surfaces for bonding.
Wallpaper paste is essential for smooth application on walls.
Stick
To adhere or cling to a surface or substance.
The label stuck to the bottle even after washing.
Paste
A term used in technology for substances like thermal paste, which improves heat conduction.
He applied thermal paste to the CPU for better cooling.
Stick
The act of remaining attached by adhesion.
Wet leaves stick to the sidewalk in the fall.
Paste
An adhesive mixture for joining materials like paper or cardboard.
The children used craft paste for their art project.
Stick
A term used to describe how well something adheres or remains in contact with another surface.
His dedication sticks to his principles, never wavering.
Paste
A culinary term for a thick, soft mixture, often used in cooking.
Tomato paste adds rich flavor to sauces.
Stick
To become fixed in a particular position or condition.
The door sticks in humid weather, making it hard to open.
Paste
A thick, soft, moist substance typically produced by mixing dry ingredients with a liquid
Blend onions, sugar, and oil to a paste
Stick
A branch or stem that has fallen or been cut from a tree or shrub.
Paste
Coat with paste
When coating walls with fabric, paste the wall, not the fabric
Stick
A piece of wood, such as a tree branch, that is used for fuel, cut for lumber, or shaped for a specific purpose.
Paste
Beat or defeat severely
He pasted the guy and tied his ankles together
Stick
A wand, staff, baton, or rod.
Paste
A smooth viscous mixture, as of flour and water or of starch and water, that is used as an adhesive for joining light materials, such as paper and cloth.
Stick
(Sports) A long thin implement with a blade or net on the end used to propel and control a puck or ball in hockey or lacrosse.
Paste
The moist clay or clay mixture used in making porcelain or pottery. Also called pâte.
Stick
A walking stick; a cane.
Paste
A smooth dough of water, flour, and butter or other shortening, used in making pastry.
Stick
Something that is long and thin
A stick of dynamite.
A stick of gum.
Paste
A food that has been pounded until it is reduced to a smooth creamy mass
Anchovy paste.
Stick
(Slang) A marijuana cigarette.
Paste
A sweet doughy candy or confection
Rolled apricot paste.
Stick
The control device of an aircraft that operates the elevators and ailerons.
Paste
A hard, brilliant, lead-containing glass used in making artificial gems.
Stick
(Informal) A stick shift.
Paste
A gem made of this glass. Also called strass.
Stick
(Nautical) A mast or a part of a mast.
Paste
A hard blow.
Stick
A group of bombs released to fall across an enemy target in a straight row.
Paste
To cause to adhere by applying paste.
Stick
(Slang) A group of paratroopers exiting an aircraft in succession.
Paste
To cover with something by using paste
He pasted the wall with burlap.
Stick
A timber tree.
Paste
(Computers) To insert (text, graphics, or other data) into a document or file.
Stick
(Informal) A piece of furniture.
Paste
(Computers) To insert text, graphics, or other data into a document or file.
Stick
A poke, thrust, or stab with a stick or similar object
A stick in the ribs.
Paste
To strike forcefully.
Stick
A threatened penalty
Using both a carrot and a stick to keep allies in line.
Paste
To defeat soundly.
Stick
The condition or power of adhering
A glue with plenty of stick.
Paste
A soft moist mixture, in particular:
Stick
A remote area; backwoods
Moved to the sticks.
Paste
One of flour, fat, or similar ingredients used in making pastry.
Stick
A city or town regarded as dull or unsophisticated.
Paste
(obsolete) Pastry.
Stick
(Informal) A person regarded as stiff, boring, or spiritless.
Paste
One of pounded foods, such as fish paste, liver paste, or tomato paste.
Stick
(Obsolete) A difficulty or obstacle; a delay.
Paste
One used as an adhesive, especially for putting up wallpapers, etc.
Stick
To pierce, puncture, or penetrate with a pointed instrument
Stick a fingertip with a pin.
Paste
(physics) A substance that behaves as a solid until a sufficiently large load or stress is applied, at which point it flows like a fluid
Stick
To thrust or push (a pointed instrument) into or through another object
Stuck a fork into the turkey.
Paste
A hard lead-containing glass, or an artificial gemstone made from this glass.
Stick
To jab or poke (a pointed or narrow instrument) into or against
The robber stuck a pistol in my ribs.
Paste
(obsolete) Pasta.
Stick
To place or position by pushing or thrusting
Stick candles on the cake.
Stick a flower through a buttonhole.
Paste
(mineralogy) The mineral substance in which other minerals are embedded.
Stick
To fix, impale, or transfix on a pointed object
Stick an olive on a toothpick.
Paste
(transitive) To stick with paste; to cause to adhere by or as if by paste.
Stick
To cover or decorate with objects piercing the surface
Stick a map with pins.
Paste
To insert a piece of media (e.g. text, picture, audio, video) previously copied or cut from somewhere else.
Stick
To fasten into place by forcing an end or point into something
Stick a tack on the wall.
Paste
To strike or beat someone or something.
Stick
To fasten or attach with pins, nails, or similar devices
Stuck the announcement on the bulletin board.
Paste
To defeat decisively or by a large margin.
Stick
To fasten or attach with an adhesive material, such as glue or tape.
Paste
A soft composition, as of flour moistened with water or milk, or of earth moistened to the consistence of dough, as in making potter's ware.
Stick
(Sports) To execute (a landing or dismount) in gymnastics so that the feet do not move after they hit the ground.
Paste
Specifically, in cookery, a dough prepared for the crust of pies and the like; pastry dough.
Stick
To detain or delay
We were stuck at the airport overnight.
Paste
A kind of cement made of flour and water, starch and water, or the like, - used for uniting paper or other substances, as in bookbinding, etc., - also used in calico printing as a vehicle for mordant or color.
Stick
(Informal) To confuse, baffle, or puzzle
I started doing the math problems, but I got stuck.
Paste
A highly refractive vitreous composition, variously colored, used in making imitations of precious stones or gems. See Strass.
Stick
Past tense and past participle sticked (stĭkt) To prop (a plant) with sticks or brush on which to grow.
Paste
A soft confection made of the inspissated juice of fruit, licorice, or the like, with sugar, etc.
Stick
Past tense and past participle sticked Printing To set (type) in a composing stick.
Paste
The mineral substance in which other minerals are imbedded.
Stick
To cover or smear with something sticky.
Paste
To unite with paste; to fasten or join by means of paste.
Stick
(Informal) To put blame or responsibility on; burden
Stuck me with the bill.
Paste
Any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency
Stick
(Slang) To defraud or cheat
The dealer stuck me with shoddy merchandise.
Paste
An adhesive made from water and flour or starch; used on paper and paperboard
Stick
To be or become fixed or embedded in place by having the point thrust in
The spear stuck in the shield.
Paste
A tasty mixture to be spread on bread or crackers
Stick
To become or remain attached or in close association; cling
Stick together in a crowd.
Paste
Join or attach with or as if with glue;
Paste the sign ont the wall
Cut and paste the sentence in the text
Stick
To remain firm, determined, or resolute
Stuck to basic principles.
Paste
Hit with the fists;
He pasted his opponent
Stick
To remain loyal or faithful
Stuck by her through hard times.
Paste
Cover the surface of;
Paste the wall with burlap
Stick
To persist or endure
A bad name that has stuck.
Stick
To scruple or hesitate
She sticks at nothing—no matter how difficult.
Stick
To become fixed, blocked, checked, or obstructed
The drawer stuck and would not open.
Stick
To project or protrude
Hair sticking out on his head.
Stick
(Sports) To throw a jab in boxing.
Stick
An elongated piece of wood or similar material, typically put to some use, for example as a wand or baton.
Stick
A small, thin branch from a tree or bush; a twig; a branch.
The beaver's dam was made out of sticks.
Stick
A relatively long, thin piece of wood, of any size.
I found several good sticks in the brush heap.
What do you call a boomerang that won't come back? A stick.
Stick
(US) A timber board, especially a two by four (inches).
I found enough sticks in dumpsters at construction sites to build my shed.
Stick
A cane or walking stick (usually wooden, metal or plastic) to aid in walking.
I don’t need my stick to walk, but it’s helpful.
Stick
A cudgel or truncheon (usually of wood, metal or plastic), especially one carried by police or guards.
As soon as the fight started, the guards came in swinging their sticks.
Stick
(carpentry) The vertical member of a cope-and-stick joint.
Stick
(nautical) A mast or part of a mast of a ship; also, a yard.
Stick
(figuratively) A piece (of furniture, especially if wooden).
We were so poor we didn't have one stick of furniture.
Stick
Any roughly cylindrical (or rectangular) unit of a substance.
Sealing wax is available as a cylindrical or rectangular stick.
Stick
A small rectangular block, with a length several times its width, which contains by volume one half of a cup of shortening (butter, margarine or lard).
The recipe calls for half a stick of butter.
Stick
A standard rectangular strip of chewing gum.
Don’t hog all that gum, give me a stick!
Stick
(slang) A cigarette usually a tobacco cigarette, less often a marijuana cigarette.
Cigarettes are taxed at one dollar per stick.
Stick
Material or objects attached to a stick or the like.
Stick
A bunch of something wrapped around or attached to a stick.
My parents bought us each a stick of cotton candy.
Stick
(archaic) A scroll that is rolled around (mounted on, attached to) a stick.
Stick
(military) The structure to which a set of bombs in a bomber aircraft are attached and which drops the bombs when it is released. The bombs themselves and, by extension, any load of similar items dropped in quick succession such as paratroopers or containers.
Stick
A tool, control, or instrument shaped somewhat like a stick.
Stick
A manual transmission, a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission, so called because of the stick-like, i.e. twig-like, control (the gear shift) with which the driver of such a vehicle controls its transmission.
I grew up driving a stick, but many people my age didn’t.
Stick
(aviation) The control column of an aircraft; a joystick. By convention, a wheel-like control mechanism with a handgrip on opposite sides, similar to the steering wheel of an automobile, can also be called the "stick", although "yoke" or "control wheel" is more commonly seen.
Stick
Use of the stick to control the aircraft.
Stick
(computing) A memory stick.
Stick
(slang) A handgun.
Stick
A composing stick, the tool used by compositors to assemble lines of type.
Stick
The clarinet.
Stick
(sports) A stick-like item:
Stick
A long thin implement used to control a ball or puck in sports like hockey, polo, and lacrosse.
Tripping with the stick is a violation of the rules.
Stick
(horse racing) The short whip carried by a jockey.
Stick
(boardsports) A board as used in board sports, such as a surfboard, snowboard, or skateboard.
Stick
(golf) The pole bearing a small flag that marks the hole.
His wedge shot bounced off the stick and went in the hole.
Stick
The cue used in billiards, pool, snooker, etc.
His stroke with that two-piece stick is a good as anybody's in the club.
Stick
Ability; specifically:
Stick
(golf) The long-range driving ability of a golf club.
Stick
(baseball) The potential hitting power of a specific bat.
Stick
(baseball) General hitting ability.
Stick
(hockey) The potential accuracy of a hockey stick, implicating also the player using it.
Stick
A person or group of people. (Perhaps, in some senses, because people are, broadly speaking, tall and thin, like pieces of wood.)
Stick
A thin or wiry person; particularly a flat-chested woman.
Stick
(magic) An assistant planted in the audience.
Stick
(gambling) A shill or house player.
Stick
A stiff, stupidly obstinate person.
Stick
A fighter pilot.
Stick
A small group of (infantry) soldiers.
Stick
Encouragement or punishment, or (resulting) vigour or other improved behavior.
Stick
A negative stimulus or a punishment. (This sense derives from the metaphor of using a stick, a long piece of wood, to poke or beat a beast of burden to compel it to move forward. Compare carrot.)
Stick
Corporal punishment; beatings.
Stick
(slang) Vigor; spirit; effort, energy, intensity.
Give it some stick!
Stick
(slang) Vigorous driving of a car; gas.
Stick
A measure.
Stick
(obsolete) An English Imperial unit of length equal to 2 inches.
Stick
A quantity of eels, usually 25.
Stick
(motor racing) The traction of tires on the road surface.
Stick
(fishing) The amount of fishing line resting on the water surface before a cast; line stick.
Stick
A thrust with a pointed instrument; a stab.
Stick
Criticism or ridicule.
Stick
(carpentry) To cut a piece of wood to be the stick member of a cope-and-stick joint.
Stick
To compose; to set, or arrange, in a composing stick.
To stick type
Stick
(transitive) To furnish or set with sticks.
Stick
(intransitive) To become or remain attached; to adhere.
The tape will not stick if it melts.
Stick
(intransitive) To jam; to stop moving.
The lever sticks if you push it too far up.
Stick
(transitive) To tolerate, to endure, to stick with.
Stick
(intransitive) To persist.
His old nickname stuck.
Stick
(intransitive) Of snow, to remain frozen on landing.
Stick
(intransitive) To remain loyal; to remain firm.
Just stick to your strategy, and you will win.
Stick
To hesitate, to be reluctant; to refuse (in negative phrases).
Stick
To be puzzled (at something), have difficulty understanding.
Stick
To cause difficulties, scruples, or hesitation.
Stick
(transitive) To attach with glue or as if by gluing.
Stick the label on the jar.
Stick
(transitive) To place, set down (quickly or carelessly).
Stick your bag over there and come with me.
Stick
(transitive) To press (something with a sharp point) into something else.
The balloon will pop when I stick this pin in it.
To stick a needle into one's finger
Stick
To stab.
Stick
(transitive) To fix on a pointed instrument; to impale.
To stick an apple on a fork
Stick
To adorn or deck with things fastened on as by piercing.
Stick
To perform (a landing) perfectly.
Once again, the world champion sticks the dismount.
Stick
To propagate plants by cuttings.
Stick cuttings from geraniums promptly.
Stick
To run or plane (mouldings) in a machine, in contradistinction to working them by hand. Such mouldings are said to be stuck.
Stick
To bring to a halt; to stymie; to puzzle.
To stick somebody with a hard problem
Stick
To impose upon; to compel to pay; sometimes, to cheat.
Stick
To stand pat: to cease taking any more cards and finalize one's hand.
Stick
(informal) Likely to stick; sticking, sticky.
A non-stick pan. A stick plaster.
A sticker type of glue. The stickest kind of gum.
Stick
A small shoot, or branch, separated, as by a cutting, from a tree or shrub; also, any stem or branch of a tree, of any size, cut for fuel or timber.
Withered sticks to gather, which might serveAgainst a winter's day.
Stick
Any long and comparatively slender piece of wood, whether in natural form or shaped with tools; a rod; a wand; a staff; as, the stick of a rocket; a walking stick.
Stick
Anything shaped like a stick; as, a stick of wax.
Stick
A derogatory expression for a person; one who is inert or stupid; as, an odd stick; a poor stick.
Stick
A composing stick. See under Composing. It is usually a frame of metal, but for posters, handbills, etc., one made of wood is used.
Stick
A thrust with a pointed instrument; a stab.
Stick
To penetrate with a pointed instrument; to pierce; to stab; hence, to kill by piercing; as, to stick a beast.
And sticked him with bodkins anon.
It was a shame . . . to stick him under the other gentleman's arm while he was redding the fray.
Stick
To cause to penetrate; to push, thrust, or drive, so as to pierce; as, to stick a needle into one's finger.
Thou stickest a dagger in me.
Stick
To fasten, attach, or cause to remain, by thrusting in; hence, also, to adorn or deck with things fastened on as by piercing; as, to stick a pin on the sleeve.
My shroud of white, stuck all with yew.
The points of spears are stuck within the shield.
Stick
To set; to fix in; as, to stick card teeth.
Stick
To set with something pointed; as, to stick cards.
Stick
To fix on a pointed instrument; to impale; as, to stick an apple on a fork.
Stick
To attach by causing to adhere to the surface; as, to stick on a plaster; to stick a stamp on an envelope; also, to attach in any manner.
Stick
To compose; to set, or arrange, in a composing stick; as, to stick type.
Stick
To run or plane (moldings) in a machine, in contradistinction to working them by hand. Such moldings are said to be stuck.
Stick
To cause to stick; to bring to a stand; to pose; to puzzle; as, to stick one with a hard problem.
Stick
To impose upon; to compel to pay; sometimes, to cheat.
Stick
To adhere; as, glue sticks to the fingers; paste sticks to the wall.
The green caterpillar breedeth in the inward parts of roses not blown, where the dew sticketh.
Stick
To be prevented from going farther; to stop by reason of some obstacle; to be stayed.
I had most need of blessing, and "Amen"Stuck in my throat.
The trembling weapon passedThrough nine bull hides, . . . and stuck within the last.
Stick
To be embarrassed or puzzled; to hesitate; to be deterred, as by scruples; to scruple; - often with at.
They will stick long at part of a demonstration for want of perceiving the connection of two ideas.
Some stick not to say, that the parson and attorney forged a will.
Stick
To cause difficulties, scruples, or hesitation.
This is the difficulty that sticks with the most reasonable.
Stick
Implement consisting of a length of wood;
He collected dry sticks for a campfire
The kid had a candied apple on a stick
Stick
A small thin branch of a tree
Stick
A lever used by a pilot to control the ailerons and elevators of an airplane
Stick
Informal terms of the leg;
Fever left him weak on his sticks
Stick
Marijuana leaves rolled into a cigarette for smoking
Stick
Threat of a penalty;
The policy so far is all stick and no carrot
Stick
Fix, force, or implant;
Lodge a bullet in the table
Stick
Stay put (in a certain place);
We are staying in Detroit; we are not moving to Cincinnati
Stay put in the corner here!
Stick around and you will learn something!
Stick
Cause to protrude or as if to protrude;
Stick one's hand out of the window
Stick one's nose into other people's business
Stick
Stick to firmly;
Will this wallpaper adhere to the wall?
Stick
Be or become fixed;
The door sticks--we will have to plane it
Stick
Endure;
The label stuck to her for the rest of her life
Stick
Be a devoted follower or supporter;
The residents of this village adhered to Catholicism
She sticks to her principles
Stick
Be loyal to;
She stood by her husband in times of trouble
The friends stuck together through the war
Stick
Cover and decorate with objects that pierce the surface;
Stick some feathers in the turkey before you serve it
Stick
Fasten with an adhesive material like glue;
Stick the poster onto the wall
Stick
Fasten with or as with pins or nails;
Stick the photo onto the corkboard
Stick
Fasten into place by fixing an end or point into something;
Stick the corner of the sheet under the mattress
Stick
Pierce with a thrust using a pointed instrument;
He stuck the cloth with the needle
Stick
Pierce or penetrate or puncture with something pointed;
He stuck the needle into his finger
Stick
Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation;
The dress clings to her body
The label stuck to the box
The sushi rice grains cohere
Stick
Saddle with something disagreeable or disadvantageous;
They stuck me with the dinner bill
I was stung with a huge tax bill
Stick
Be a mystery or bewildering to;
This beats me!
Got me--I don't know the answer!
A vexing problem
This question really stuck me
Common Curiosities
Can stick refer to a physical object?
Yes, "stick" can also refer to a thin piece of wood or similar material, but in the context of adhesion, it pertains to the act or condition of sticking.
Is paste only used for adhesion?
While commonly used as an adhesive, paste can also refer to culinary mixtures and specialized applications like thermal paste in electronics.
What types of materials can paste be used on?
Paste can be used on a variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, fabric, and in some cases, wood and ceramics, depending on the paste's composition.
How does temperature affect sticking?
Temperature can significantly affect adhesion. For example, heat can soften adhesives to improve sticking, while cold can reduce adhesive tackiness, weakening the bond.
How do I remove something that has stuck to a surface?
Removal methods vary depending on the materials and the type of adhesive. Gentle heating, solvents, or physical scraping might be necessary.
Can all pastes be used interchangeably for different sticking tasks?
No, pastes are formulated for specific uses, and their effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the materials involved and the conditions of application.
Does stick imply a permanent bond?
Not necessarily. Sticking can be temporary or permanent, depending on the method of adhesion and the materials involved.
How long does it take for paste to set?
The setting time for paste can vary widely based on the paste's composition and the materials being adhered, ranging from a few minutes to several hours.
Are there eco-friendly pastes and adhesives available?
Eco-friendly options are available, made from natural, biodegradable materials, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic adhesives.
Are there natural substances that can act as paste?
Yes, natural substances like tree sap, beeswax, and certain plant resins can serve as adhesives.
Can paste be homemade or is it always commercially produced?
Paste can be easily made at home using common ingredients like flour and water, in addition to being available as commercially produced products.
Is there a difference between sticking something vertically vs. horizontally?
Gravity can affect the sticking process; vertical surfaces may require stronger adhesion or support until the adhesive sets, unlike horizontal surfaces.
Can humidity affect the ability of objects to stick?
Yes, high humidity can interfere with the adhesion process, potentially weakening the bond formed by some adhesives or causing them to not set properly.
What safety precautions should be taken when using paste?
Depending on the paste, it's important to use it in a well-ventilated area, avoid ingestion and contact with eyes, and follow any specific safety guidelines provided.
How can I increase the sticking power of a paste or adhesive?
Ensuring clean, dry surfaces, applying the correct amount of adhesive, and allowing proper setting time can enhance sticking power.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza 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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Urooj ArifUrooj 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.
