noun
- a set of circumstances or attributes characterizing a person or thing at a given time; way or form of being; condition: a state of poverty
- a particular mental or emotional condition: a state of bliss
- condition as regards physical structure, constitution, internal form, stage or phase of existence, etc.: liquid state
- condition or position in life; social status, rank, or degree
- high rank or position
- the style of living characteristic of people having high rank and wealth; rich, imposing, ceremonious display: drove up in state
- the power or authority represented by a body of people politically organized under one government, esp. an independent government, within a territory or territories having definite boundaries
- such a body of people; body politic
- ☆ any of the territorial and political units that together constitute a federal government, as in the U.S.
- ☆ the territory of a state (senses & )
- the political organization constituting the basis of civil government: church and state
- the sphere of highest governmental authority and administration: matters of state
- foreign policy
Origin:
ME < OFr & L: OFr estat < L status, state, position, standing < pp. of stare, to stand
transitive verb stated, stating
- to fix or establish by specifying: at the stated hour
- to set forth in words, esp. in a specific, definite, or formal way: to state one's objectives
- to express or present in a nonverbal way: to state a musical theme in the first three measures