State
/steɪt/
Definitions
3 meaningsA nation or territory with its own government.
/steɪt/
A nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.
The state of emergency was declared after the hurricane.
💡 Simply: Imagine a country like the USA, but sometimes we also use 'state' to talk about one of its parts like California. Each 'state' has its own rules and a government.
👶 For kids: A state is like a big town with its own rules and leaders!
More Examples
He is a citizen of the state of New York.
The state government is responsible for education within the state.
How It's Used
"The United States is a sovereign state."
"California is a state on the West Coast."
The condition or situation of something at a particular time.
/steɪt/
The condition of something at a particular time.
The state of the art in this field is constantly changing.
💡 Simply: It's like describing how something is right now. Like, what's the 'state' of your room? Is it messy or clean?
👶 For kids: How something is at a certain time, like, 'What's the state of your toys?' Are they put away?
More Examples
The current state of the market is volatile.
He was in a state of shock after the accident.
How It's Used
"The current state of the economy is uncertain."
"The patient's state improved overnight."
To express or declare something, usually in a formal or official way.
/steɪt/
Express something definitely or clearly in speech or writing.
She stated her opinion clearly.
💡 Simply: To say something clearly and officially, like when you 'state' your name to a judge.
👶 For kids: To tell something, like telling your mom what you want for dinner.
More Examples
The document stated the terms of the agreement.
Please state your name for the record.
How It's Used
"The witness stated his name for the record."
"The lawyer stated the facts of the case."
Synonyms
Country
Nation
Province
Republic
Circumstance
Condition
Position
Situation
Affirm
Assert
Declare
Pronounce
Specify
Idioms & expressions
state of the art
The most advanced stage of development of a particular technology or field.
"This is a state-of-the-art computer system."
to state the obvious
To say something that is already very clear and well-known.
"To state the obvious, it's going to rain if it's cloudy and there are dark clouds in the sky."
From Middle English *stat, estate*, from Old French *estat* ('condition, status'), from Latin *status* ('a standing, position, order').
The word 'state' has been used for centuries to describe political entities and conditions. Its usage has evolved from Latin origins and has maintained consistent themes of organized communities and defined situations throughout history.
Memory tip
Think of the United States and all of its individual states; each is its own political entity.