Quick Definition
State /steɪt/ — noun: the condition or circumstances something or someone is in; a country or territory organised as a political unit; one of the political divisions within a federal country. — verb: to say or express something clearly and formally, especially in speech or writing.
Etymology
The word state derives from Latin status, meaning "manner of standing, position, or condition", from the verb stare (to stand). It entered Middle English via Old French estat in the 13th century, initially carrying the sense of a person's rank or standing in society. The political meaning — an organised sovereign community — developed during the 16th century, heavily influenced by Italian stato as employed by Machiavelli in his writings on government and power. The verbal sense, meaning to say something formally, appeared in the 17th century as a natural extension of the idea of making one's position clear.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & note |
|---|---|
| The room was in a very dirty state after the party. | A2 — noun: condition |
| Please state your name and date of birth. | B1 — verb: say formally |
| The state of the economy affects everyone who lives here. | B1 — noun: overall condition |
| Each member state of the European Union has its own legal system. | B2 — noun: political entity |
| The contract clearly states that either party may withdraw with 30 days' notice. | C1 — verb: specify in writing |
Common Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| state of mind | She was not in the right state of mind to make a big decision. |
| state of affairs | The report described the current state of affairs in the region. |
| state of emergency | The government declared a state of emergency after the floods. |
| welfare state | The welfare state provides healthcare and education for all citizens. |
| member state | Every member state must comply with the new regulations. |
| nation state | The nation state became the dominant form of political organisation in the 19th century. |
| state-funded | The project was state-funded and open to all residents free of charge. |
| state clearly | The guidelines state clearly that ID is required at the entrance. |
| state of the art | The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. |
| solid state | Solid-state drives are faster and more reliable than traditional hard disks. |
Usage Notes
How to Use "State" Correctly
- Noun — condition: Use state to describe how something is at a given moment. It often follows in a or the state of: "The house was in a dreadful state." Note that in informal British English in a state can also mean anxious or distressed: "Don't get yourself in a state about it."
- Noun — political entity: In formal and political contexts, state (often capitalised as State) refers to a sovereign country or a division within a federal system. Distinguish between state (the governing authority) and country (the geographical and cultural territory).
- Verb — formal speech or writing: When state is used as a verb it is more formal than say or tell. It is common in legal, academic, and official writing: "The report states that…", "She stated her intention to resign." Avoid using it in casual conversation where say or mention would sound more natural.
- Verb + that-clause or noun phrase: As a verb, state is typically followed by a that-clause ("He stated that he was innocent") or a direct noun phrase ("Please state your occupation"). It does not normally take an indirect object — you do not say "state someone something".
- Compound forms: State forms many compounds and fixed phrases in British English: state school (a school funded by the government), head of state, secretary of state, state visit, and nanny state (informal, often critical, for an over-regulating government).
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
She stated me that she was unhappy. (state does not take an indirect object)
She stated that she was unhappy. / She told me that she was unhappy.
The country is in a very bad condition state. (state and condition are synonyms — do not use both)
The country is in a very bad state. / The country is in a very poor condition.
Please state me your name. (wrong word order and wrong construction)
Please state your name. / Please tell me your name.
Related Words
Practise This Word
Frequently Asked Questions about “state”
What does state mean in English?
State has two main meanings. As a noun it refers to a condition or circumstances ('the state of the roads') or to a country or political division ('a member state'). As a verb it means to say something formally and clearly: 'Please state your full name.' The correct meaning depends entirely on context.
What is the difference between state and condition?
State and condition are close synonyms when used as nouns meaning 'the way something is'. State is slightly more formal and broader: 'the state of the economy'. Condition often implies a specific physical or health-related situation: 'the condition of the patient'. In everyday British English both words are widely used and largely interchangeable.
How do you use state as a verb?
When state is used as a verb it means to say something in a clear, official, or formal way. It is followed directly by a noun clause or a that-clause: 'The report states that costs have risen.' It is more formal than say or tell, and is common in academic writing, legal documents, and official announcements.
What is the difference between state and country?
In political terms, a state is the formal entity with sovereignty and government — the United Kingdom is a state. Country is a more informal, geographical word that refers to the land and people. In the United States, state also refers to the individual political divisions such as California or Texas.
What are common collocations with state?
Common collocations include: mental state, current state, state of mind, state of affairs, welfare state, member state, nation state, police state, state of emergency, and state-funded. In verb use: state clearly, state officially, state a fact, state the obvious, and state one's case are all natural combinations.
Is state formal or informal?
As a noun in the sense of 'condition', state can be both formal ('the current state of negotiations') and informal ('the kitchen is in a terrible state'). As a verb meaning 'to say officially', state is distinctly formal and is more typical of written English, legal language, and academic prose than of casual conversation.
What does 'state of the art' mean?
State of the art (also written state-of-the-art as a modifier) means using the most modern and advanced methods, materials, or knowledge: 'a state-of-the-art recording studio'. The phrase originally described the highest level of development achieved in a technical field and is now widely used in everyday English to mean simply 'the best available'.
What does 'in a state' mean in British English?
In informal British English, 'in a state' means in a condition of anxiety, distress, or disorder. 'She was in a complete state before the exam' means she was very nervous or upset. 'The flat is in a state' means the flat is untidy or messy. This colloquial use is very common in spoken British English.
What is the etymology of the word state?
State comes from Latin status, meaning 'manner of standing, position, condition', from the verb stare (to stand). It entered English via Old French estat in the 13th century. The political sense of 'an organised political community' developed in the 16th century, influenced by Italian stato as used by Machiavelli in writings on government.
How can I practise using state in English?
Try LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to see state used in varied contexts, or use the Flash Cards tool to drill state alongside related words such as condition, status, nation, and declare. Reading British newspaper editorials and official documents is an excellent way to see both the noun and verb uses of state in authentic, natural contexts.