the condition of something at a particular time, especially with regard to key features or quality, a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government, a physical condition such as solid, liquid, or gas

state the obvious, in a state, state of play

state of mind, state of the art, state of emergency

Formal and Informal Expressions of state

In different contexts, you can replace 'state' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'condition, status' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'shape, fettle' is a commonplace synonym.

state: Explore its Definition & Usage

state Definition

1the condition of something at a particular time, especially with regard to key features or quality
2a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government
3a physical condition such as solid, liquid, or gas

Using state: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "state" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The state of the economy is improving.
Example
The United States is a democratic state.
Example
Water can exist in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.

state Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for state

Antonyms for state

disorder
chaos

Idioms Using state

state the obvious
to say something that is already known or evident
Example
When he said that the sky was blue, I told him he was stating the obvious.
in a state
in a nervous, anxious, or agitated condition
Example
She was in a state before her big presentation, pacing back and forth and checking her notes.
state of play
the current situation or condition of a particular activity or process
Example
We need to assess the state of play before making any decisions about the project.

Phrases with state

state of mind
a person's emotional or mental condition
Example
She was in a positive state of mind after her job interview.
state of the art
the most advanced stage of a product, technology, or creative field
Example
This new smartphone is state of the art, with cutting-edge features and design.
state of emergency
a situation in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures and assumes control to restore order during a crisis
Example
The governor declared a state of emergency due to the severe weather conditions.

Origins of state

from Latin 'status', meaning 'condition'

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Summary: state in Brief

The term 'state' [steɪt] refers to the condition of something at a particular time, such as the economy or water, or a nation or territory under one government. It also encompasses phrases like 'state of mind,' describing a person's emotional or mental condition, and idioms like 'state the obvious,' meaning to say something already known. 'State' has formal synonyms like 'condition' and 'status,' and informal ones like 'shape' and 'fettle.'