state
state — noun
1. The particular physical or emotional way someone or something is at a given mome
The particular physical or emotional way someone or something is at a given moment.
After the long flight, Chidi was in such a tired state that he fell asleep at the dinner table.
in a [adjective] state — describing a person's condition
The old house had been empty for years and was in a terrible state of decay.
in a state of [noun] — describing a thing's condition
Doctors described her mental state as stable and improving after the surgery.
The government declared a state of emergency after the floods destroyed thousands of homes.
state of emergency — fixed collocation
Elena found her grandmother in a confused state, unable to remember the day of the week.
- state of mind
- state of health
- state of emergency
- mental state
- physical state
- in a state
- condition
more general, used for physical objects and people equally
- situation
focuses on broader circumstances rather than personal condition
- circumstances
more formal, emphasizes external factors
Grammar Patterns
in a state of [something]
state of [noun]
[adjective] state
Usage Note
Common in the pattern 'in a [adjective] state' or 'in a state of [noun]'. The adjective often describes strong emotions or physical disrepair.
Common Mistakes
2. The general situation or set of circumstances at a particular time, especially t
The general situation or set of circumstances at a particular time, especially the current one.
The finance minister gave a report on the current state of the national economy.
the state of [something] — describing a situation
Asher asked his lawyer to explain the state of his case before the trial began.
The head teacher was unhappy with the present state of discipline at the school.
Negotiators discussed the state of the peace talks and agreed to meet again next month.
the state of [ongoing process]
- state of affairs
- state of the economy
- current state
- present state
- state of play
Grammar Patterns
the state of [something]
state of affairs
Usage Note
Unlike sense 1 (CONDITION), this sense focuses on the progress or status of an ongoing situation or process, not on a person's physical or emotional condition.
Common Mistakes
3. A nation that operates under its own government and controls a specific territor
A nation that operates under its own government and controls a specific territory.
France has been a unified state for centuries, with Paris as its capital.
The conference brought together leaders from every member state of the European Union.
member state — a country that belongs to an international organization
A separate Palestinian state has been a goal of peace negotiations for decades.
Nellie wrote her thesis on how small island states handle the effects of climate change.
- member state
- sovereign state
- nation state
- independent state
- state government
Grammar Patterns
a state
the State
member state
state-run
Usage Note
Often capitalized (State) when referring to a specific country as a political entity. Frequently found in international relations and political discourse.
Common Mistakes
❌ 'New York is a state in the USA' — this is actually correct for sense 5 (REGION), not sense 3. The US is one state (nation) made up of multiple states (regions).
4. The political system or group of institutions that governs a country and makes d
The political system or group of institutions that governs a country and makes decisions on behalf of its people.
In many countries, the state provides free education to all children up to age sixteen.
the state provides — government as service provider
Sofie believes the state should do more to support families with young children.
Separation of church and state means the government does not support any religion.
church and state — fixed idiom
The state has the power to collect taxes and spend money on public services like roads and hospitals.
- state control
- state intervention
- church and state
- state funding
- state-owned
- state school
- government
more specific to the ruling body at a given time
- administration
focuses on the executive branch in power
- authorities
plural, refers to the people and agencies who enforce laws
Grammar Patterns
the State
state control
state intervention
Usage Note
Often capitalized (the State) in formal writing. Distinguish from sense 3 (COUNTRY): sense 4 refers to the governing apparatus, not the territory or population.
Common Mistakes
5. One of the divisions of a federal country, such as the United States, India, or
One of the divisions of a federal country, such as the United States, India, or Germany, that has its own local government.
Dylan moved from New York State to California for the warmer weather and job opportunities.
Each state in the US has its own flag, laws, and system of public schools.
The state government of Texas announced new plans to improve highways across the region.
state government — the government of one region within a federal country
Eri traveled across five different states during her summer road trip through the Midwest.
- state line
- state government
- state law
- state park
- across the state
- state capital
Grammar Patterns
[name] State
the state of [name]
Usage Note
Capitalized when part of a proper name (New York State, the State of Florida). Not all countries use 'state' for internal divisions — the UK has 'nations', Canada has 'provinces'.
Common Mistakes
6. An informal way of talking about the US in everyday conversation.
An informal way of talking about the US in everyday conversation.
Mert is planning to move back to the States after finishing his degree in London.
the States — informal name for the USA
When I travel abroad, people often ask me what life is like in the States.
The company exports most of its products to Japan and the States.
Shirin met her husband while they were both studying in the States years ago.
- the States
- back in the States
- move to the States
Grammar Patterns
the States
the States (informal)
Usage Note
Always used with 'the' (the States). Informal — not suitable for formal writing. In formal contexts, use 'the United States' or 'the US'.
Common Mistakes
7. A formal, dignified ceremony or display of official grandeur, especially one inv
A formal, dignified ceremony or display of official grandeur, especially one involving a monarch or head of government.
The queen traveled in state through the streets of the capital in a golden carriage.
in state — with full formal ceremony
The president's body lay in state at the parliament building so citizens could pay their respects.
lie in state — fixed phrase for a deceased leader honored publicly
Ambassadors from fifty nations attended the state banquet at the royal palace.
The king arrived in state for the opening of parliament, wearing his ceremonial robes.
- in state
- lie in state
- state banquet
- state funeral
- state occasion
Grammar Patterns
in state
state occasion
Usage Note
Almost always appears in fixed phrases: 'in state' (with ceremony), 'lie in state' (of a dead leader), or as a modifier before nouns like 'banquet', 'dinner', 'funeral'.
Common Mistakes
To become very worried, upset, or nervous about something.
Mia was in a real state before her job interview.
Don't get into a state about the test; you studied hard.
in a state of grace
idiomIn Roman Catholic belief, having been forgiven by God for your sins.
Father Murphy said the old man died in a state of grace.
She went to confession to be in a state of grace.
a state of affairs
idiomA particular situation or set of circumstances.
This state of affairs cannot continue without consequences.
The current state of affairs in the office is chaotic.
the state of play
idiomThe current stage or progress of an ongoing process or activity.
What is the state of play in the construction project?
The manager updated us on the state of play in the negotiations.
state — verb
1. To express something in words, giving a clear and definite account of facts, opi
To express something in words, giving a clear and definite account of facts, opinions, or intentions.
The witness stated clearly that she had seen the man leave the building before midnight.
state + that-clause — expressing a definite fact
Please state your full name and date of birth on the application form.
Amihan stated her reasons for resigning in a short email to the team.
The contract clearly states that no refunds are given after thirty days.
passive-like: document states — formal written context
As stated in the previous chapter, economic growth does not always reduce inequality.
- state clearly
- state firmly
- as stated above
- stated that
- state your name
- stated in writing
Grammar Patterns
state + that-clause
state + noun phrase
state + direct speech
Usage Note
More formal than 'say'. Stronger than 'mention' — implies giving full, deliberate information. Frequently used in legal, academic, and official contexts.
Common Mistakes
state — adjective
1. Belonging to, provided by, or controlled by the national government rather than
Belonging to, provided by, or controlled by the national government rather than private organizations.
Élise studied at a state university, where tuition was much lower than at private colleges.
state university — publicly funded institution
Many older people rely on state pensions as their main source of income after retirement.
The state broadcaster is funded by taxes rather than by advertising revenue.
state-funded — paid for by the government
Faisal works for a state-owned oil company that employs over ten thousand people.
- state school
- state university
- state pension
- state-owned
- state-funded
- state broadcaster
- state enterprise
- public
broader, includes local government as well as national
- government
can also be attributive but is more general
- national
emphasizes the whole country rather than regional divisions
- private
owned or run by individuals or companies, not the government
Grammar Patterns
state [noun]
Usage Note
Only used before a noun (attributive). Cannot be used after linking verbs ('This school is state' is wrong — say 'This is a state school').
Common Mistakes
2. Relating to grand, high-level ceremonies with the participation of a country's l
Relating to grand, high-level ceremonies with the participation of a country's leaders or government representatives.
A state dinner was held at the White House to welcome the visiting prime minister.
state dinner — formal meal with high-level officials
The king's state visit to Japan included meetings with business leaders and cultural events.
The new ambassador presented her credentials at a formal state ceremony in the capital.
Dignitaries from around the world gathered for the former president's state funeral.
- state dinner
- state visit
- state funeral
- state ceremony
- state occasion
Grammar Patterns
state [noun]
Usage Note
Only appears before nouns describing formal events (dinner, visit, funeral, banquet, occasion). Cannot be used independently ('The dinner was state' is wrong).
Common Mistakes
3. Relating to or belonging to one of the regions (states) that a federal country i
Relating to or belonging to one of the regions (states) that a federal country is divided into.
Shirin applied for a driver's license at the state Department of Motor Vehicles in Austin.
Each state government sets its own rules about speed limits and road safety.
The state police arrested the suspect after a high-speed chase across the county line.
state police — police force of one US state
State elections are held every four years to choose the governor and local representatives.
- state government
- state police
- state law
- state election
- state legislature
- state park
- provincial
used in Canada and some other countries instead of 'state'
- local
broader, includes city and county level
- federal
relating to the national, not regional, level of government
Grammar Patterns
state [noun]
Usage Note
Typically used with US states. In other federal countries, 'provincial' (Canada) or 'Land' (Germany) may be preferred. Only appears before nouns.
Word family
- statelessadjectiveC1
- statehoodnounC1
- statesmannounC1
- statesmanshipnounC2
- understateverbB2
- overstateverbC1
- statementnounB1
- statewideadjectiveB2
- statelyadjectiveC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
State, condition, situation, circumstances, and status all describe how things are, but they differ in scope and usage. State is the broadest — it can refer to a person's emotions ('a state of shock'), an object's physical quality ('in a state of decay'), or a general set of facts ('the state of the economy'). Condition overlaps strongly with state but is more concrete and physical: we talk about a car's condition or skin condition, not its 'state' as naturally. Situation focuses on the external context and events surrounding someone or something, rather than internal qualities — you can be in a difficult financial situation, but not a 'difficult financial state'. Circumstances are the factual conditions that affect a situation, often in the plural and with a sense of factors beyond control ('due to circumstances beyond our control'). Status is narrower, referring to where something stands in a process or hierarchy: job status, legal status, or the status of an application. For example, you might check on the status of your visa application (what stage it has reached), while commenting on the state of your health (how you feel overall).
Common collocations
Nouns
- state government
- state law
- state police
- state university
- state pension
Adverbs
- clearly stated
- firmly stated
- explicitly stated
- publicly stated
Phrases
- state of mind
- state of affairs
- state of emergency
- state of the art
- state of play
- lie in state
- church and state
Prepositions
- state of
- in a state of
- as stated in
- state to
Etymology
The word 'state' comes from Latin 'status', meaning a standing position, condition, or rank. It entered English through Old French 'estat' (modern French 'état'). The original sense was about position or standing in society. By the 1300s it was used for the condition of things generally. The political meaning — a country or its government — developed in the 1500s from the idea of the 'estate' or standing of a realm. The verb sense 'to declare or express' grew out of the noun around the same period. The adjective uses (state school, state funeral) followed later as the word expanded from describing the government itself to things connected with it.