First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1state
noun, often attributive \ˈstāt\
: 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
Full Definition of STATE
1
a : mode or condition of being <a state of readiness> b (1) : condition of mind or temperament <in a highly nervous state> (2) : a condition of abnormal tension or excitement
2
a : a condition or stage in the physical being of something <insects in the larval state> <the gaseous state of water> b : any of various conditions characterized by definite quantities (as of energy, angular momentum, or magnetic moment) in which an atomic system may exist
3
a : social position; especially : high rank b (1) : elaborate or luxurious style of living (2) : formal dignity : pomp —usually used with in
4
a : a body of persons constituting a special class in a society : estate 3 b plural : the members or representatives of the governing classes assembled in a legislative body c obsolete : a person of high rank (as a noble)
5
a : a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory; especially : one that is sovereign b : the political organization of such a body of people c : 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
7
a : one of the constituent units of a nation having a federal government <the fifty states> b plural capitalized : The United States of America
8
: the territory of a state
See state defined for English-language learners
See state defined for kids
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Origin of STATE
Middle English stat, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French estat, from Latin status, from stare to stand — more at stand
Related to STATE
- Synonyms
- commonwealth, country, land, sovereignty (also sovranty), nation
2state
transitive verb
: to express (something) formally in speech or writing
: to give (specific information, instructions, rules, etc.) in writing
stat·edstat·ing
Full Definition of STATE
1
: to set by regulation or authority
2
: to express the particulars of especially in words : report; broadly : to express in words
— stat·able or state·able \ˈstā-tə-bəl\ adjective
First Known Use of STATE
1579
STATE Defined for Kids
1state
noun \ˈstāt\
Definition of STATE for Kids
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>
2state
verb
stat·edstat·ing
Definition of STATE for Kids
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
noun \ˈstāt\
Medical Definition of STATE
: mode or condition of being: as a : condition of mind or temperament <a manic state> b : a condition or stage in the physical being of something <the gaseous state of water>
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