What does “State of the art” mean?
"State of the art" means the most advanced or modern technology or equipment available.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The new smartphone features state of the art facial recognition technology.
Example
The hospital is equipped with state of the art medical equipment.
Example
The company invested in state of the art manufacturing machinery
Is “State of the art” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“State of the art” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “State of the art” effectively in context?
You can use "State of the art" to describe something that is the most advanced or modern in terms of technology or equipment. It emphasizes that the object or system is at the forefront of innovation and represents the latest advancements in its field. For example, if you want to talk about a new smartphone with advanced features, you can say, 'The new smartphone features "state of the art" facial recognition technology.'
- 1Technology
The new computer lab is equipped with state of the art computers and software.
- 2Healthcare
The hospital is known for its state of the art medical equipment and facilities.
- 3Manufacturing
The company invested in state of the art manufacturing machinery to improve efficiency.
Similar phrases to “State of the art”:
Cutting-edge
At the forefront of innovation or advancement
Example
The company is known for its cutting-edge technology.
Top-of-the-line
Of the highest quality or standard
Example
He bought a top-of-the-line camera for his photography business.
Leading-edge
At the forefront of progress or development
Example
The research institute focuses on leading-edge scientific discoveries.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “State of the art” come from?
The origin of the phrase "State of the art" is unknown.
Is “State of the art” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "State of the art" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially when discussing technology, equipment, or facilities. It is frequently used to highlight the advanced and cutting-edge nature of a particular item or system.
What tone does “State of the art” have?
"State of the art" conveys a tone of admiration and excitement. It suggests that something is at the forefront of innovation and represents the pinnacle of technological advancement.
Can “State of the art” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "State of the art" is considered a formal expression. It is often used in professional settings, such as business meetings, presentations, or academic discussions. However, it can also be used in informal conversations to describe advanced technology or equipment.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The new museum is equipped with state of the art exhibits.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That car is "state of the art"!' to express admiration for its advanced features.
