state
stayt
State (noun) means the particular condition someone or something is in at a given time. Example: “The house was left in a terrible state after the party.”
noun
1
The particular condition someone or something is in at a given time.
"The house was left in a terrible state after the party."
"Water can exist in a solid, liquid, or gas state."
"The old car was in such a poor state that nobody wanted to buy it."
2
A country, or a self-governing political division within a larger country (such as one of the fifty American states).
"France is a sovereign state in Western Europe."
"Texas is the second-largest state in the US."
"Each state in the country has its own laws about driving licences."
verb
1
To say or write something clearly and directly.
"Please state your name and address for the record."
"The witness was asked to state exactly what she had seen that evening."
"The instructions clearly state that you must switch off your phone before the exam."
How to use state
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA condition something is in, a country or political region, or (as a verb) to say something clearly.
Common pairings
state of emergency
nation-state
state your case
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Word forms
- Plural
- states
- Third person singular
- states
- Past tense
- stated
- Comparative
- more state
- Superlative
- most state
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The house was left in a terrible _____ after the party.
Etymology
From Latin status, "manner of standing, condition," by way of Old French estat — the same root that gives us estate and status.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for state
See all rhymes for state →Frequently asked questions
What does “state” mean?
The word “state” means the particular condition someone or something is in at a given time. In plain terms, a condition something is in, a country or political region, or (as a verb) to say something clearly.
How do you pronounce “state”?
“State” is pronounced stayt (/steɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “state” in a sentence?
Here is “state” used in a sentence: “The house was left in a terrible state after the party.”
What is another word for “state”?
Words with a similar meaning to “state” include condition, position, scenario, set up, shape and situation.
What part of speech is “state”?
Depending on how it is used, “state” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “state” come from?
The word “state” comes from Latin. From Latin status, "manner of standing, condition," by way of Old French estat — the same root that gives us estate and status.
Is “state” a common word?
“State” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “state” have?
“State” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the particular condition someone or something is in at a given time.
What is the difference between 'state' and 'condition'?
The two are close synonyms for how something is at a given moment. 'State' often describes an overall or temporary way of being — 'a state of panic,' 'the state of the economy.' 'Condition' tends to stress physical shape or a specific requirement — 'good condition,' 'a medical condition.' In many sentences they are interchangeable.
What is the difference between 'state' meaning a condition and 'state' meaning a country or region?
They are spelled the same but unrelated in meaning. This 'state' means the condition something is in — 'a fragile state.' The other 'state' refers to a nation or a governed region within one, such as a US state like Texas. Only the surrounding context tells you which sense is meant.
What is an example of 'state' as a condition?
You might speak of a 'state of mind,' the 'state of your health,' or a room left in 'a terrible state.' Each describes the condition of someone or something at a particular time. The word covers physical, mental, and emotional conditions alike — 'a calm state' or 'a state of disrepair.'
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