noun

1. 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
2. a particular mental or emotional condition a state of bliss
3. condition as regards physical structure, constitution, internal form, stage or phase of existence, etc. liquid state
4. 1. condition or position in life; social status, rank, or degree
   2. high rank or position
   3. the style of living characteristic of people having high rank and wealth; rich, imposing, ceremonious display drove up in state
5. 1. 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
   2. such a body of people; body politic
6. ☆ any of the territorial and political units that together constitute a federal government, as in the U.S.
7. ☆ the territory of a state (senses & )
8. the political organization constituting the basis of civil government church and state
9. the sphere of highest governmental authority and administration matters of state
10. foreign policy

Etymology: ME < OFr & L: OFr estat < L status, state, position, standing < pp. of stare, to stand

adjective

1. of, for, or characteristic of occasions of great ceremony; formal; ceremonial
2. of or controlled, maintained, etc. by the government or a state

transitive verb stated stat′ed, stating stat′·ing

1. to fix or establish by specifying at the stated hour
2. 1. to set forth in words, esp. in a specific, definite, or formal way to state one's objectives
   2. to express or present in a nonverbal way to state a musical theme in the first three measures