state

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noun, often attributive \ˈstāt\

Definition of state

1a : mode or condition of being a state of readinessb (1) : condition of mind or temperament in a highly nervous state (2) : a condition of abnormal tension or excitement
2a : a condition or stage in the physical being of something insects in the larval state the gaseous state of waterb : any of various conditions characterized by definite quantities (as of energy, angular momentum, or magnetic moment) in which an atomic system may exist
3a : social position; especially : high rankb (1) : elaborate or luxurious style of living (2) : formal dignity : pomp —usually used with in
4a : a body of persons constituting a special class in a society : estate 3b states plural : the members or representatives of the governing classes assembled in a legislative bodyc obsolete : a person of high rank (as a noble)
5a : a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory; especially : one that is sovereignb : the political organization of such a body of peoplec : a government or politically organized society having a particular character a police state the welfare state
6 : the operations or concerns of the government of a country
7a : one of the constituent units of a nation having a federal government the fifty statesb States plural : The United States of America
8 : the territory of a state

See state defined for English-language learners

See state defined for kids

Examples of state in a Sentence

Happiness is the state or condition of being happy.
We must keep our armed forces in a constant state of readiness.
She meditates to achieve a higher state of being.
The building is in such a sorry state that it's hardly worth fixing.
water in a gaseous state
the solid and liquid states
the member states of the United Nations Security Council

Origin and Etymology of state

Middle English stat, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French estat, from Latin status, from stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use: 13th century

state

verb

Definition of state

stated

;

stating

transitive verb
1 : to set by regulation or authority
2 : to express the particulars of especially in words : report; broadly : to express in words

statable

stateable

play \ˈstā-tə-bəl\ adjective

See state defined for English-language learners

Examples of state in a Sentence

The lawyer will state the facts of the case.
He stated his name in full.
I was merely stating an opinion.
“This is a difficult situation,” he stated simply.
Please state the purpose of your visit.
I'd like to state for the record that I disagree with the board's decision.
For the reasons stated above, I hereby withdraw from the competition.
The rules clearly state that you can only draw one card.

1647

First Known Use of state

1647

STATE Defined for English Language Learners

state

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noun

Definition of state for English Language Learners

: a way of living or existing
: the overall physical condition of something : the ability of something to be used, enjoyed, etc.
: the things that affect the way you think or feel : your physical or mental condition

state

verb

Definition of state for English Language Learners

: to express (something) formally in speech or writing
: to give (specific information, instructions, rules, etc.) in writing

STATE Defined for Kids

state

play

noun \ˈstāt\

Definition of state for Students

1 : manner or condition of being Steam is water in the gaseous state. … the health inspector was rather picky about the state of the cafeteria … — Pam Zollman, Don't Bug Me!
2 : a body of people living in a certain territory under one government : the government of such a body of people
3 : one of the divisions of a nation having a federal government the United States of America

state

play

verb

Definition of state for Students

stated

;

stating

1 : to express especially in words I'm just stating my opinion.
2 : to set by rule, law, or authority The rules of the contest are stated below.

Medical Dictionary

state

play

noun \ˈstāt\

Medical Definition of state

: mode or condition of being: asa: condition of mind or temperament a manic stateb: a condition or stage in the physical being of something the gaseous state of water

Law Dictionary

state

noun , often attrib

Legal Definition of state

1a : a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory; especially : one that is sovereign b : the political organization that has supreme civil authority and political power and serves as the basis of government — see also compelling state interest at interest 3a, separation of church and state c : a government or politically organized society having a particular character a police state
2 : the operations or concerns of the government of a country : the sphere of administration and supreme political power of a country (as in international relations) secrets of state affairs of state
3a : one of the constituent units of a nation having a federal government; specifically : one of the fifty such units comprising the great part of the U.S. — see also state law b : the territory of a state