26984 words

state

28 definitions • 70 examples
1
a condition or way of being that exists at a particular time:

Examples:

a state of The building was in a state of disrepair.
state (of mind) She was found wandering in a confused state (of mind).
Give me the keys - you're not in a state to drive.
state of shock After the accident I was in a state of shock.
state of affairs I came home to an unhappy state of affairs (= situation).
The kitchen was in its original state, with a 1920s sink and stove.
2

Examples:

the state of play in The article provides a useful summary of the current state of play in the negotiations.
3

Examples:

member state Britain is one of the member states of the European Union.
The government was determined to reduce the number of state-owned industries.
Some theatres receive a small amount of funding from the state.
4
a part of a large country with its own government, such as in Germany, Australia, or the US:

Examples:

Alaska is the largest state in the US
Representatives are elected from each state.
5
used to refer to the US:

Examples:

In 1946, Baskin returned to the States and married a local woman.
6
If a king, queen, or government leader does something in state, they do it in a formal way as part of an official ceremony:

Examples:

The Queen rode in state to the opening of Parliament.
7
to say or write something, especially clearly and carefully:

Examples:

[ + (that) ] Union members stated (that) they were unhappy with the proposal.
[ + question word ] Please state why you wish to apply for this grant.
Children in the stated (= named) areas were at risk from a lack of food, the report said.
8
provided, created, or done by the state (= government of a country):

Examples:

state control
state funding/pensions/subsidies
9
State events are formal official ceremonies that involve a leader of a country or someone who represents the government:

Examples:

the state opening of Parliament
a state funeral
10
referring to a part of a large country that has its own government:

Examples:

the state legislature
a state sales tax
the state superintendent of education for Indiana
11
a condition or way of being:

Examples:

The stable was preserved in its original state.
Your room is in a terrible state.
It's a sad state of affairs (= a bad situation) when our rivers are so endangered.
12
one of the political units that some countries, such as the US, are divided into:

Examples:

New York State
the State of Arizona
13
A state is also a country or its government:

Examples:

14
The States is another way of referring to the United States:

Examples:

When will you be visiting the States?
15

Examples:

His will states the property is to be sold.
Please state your preference.
16
provided, created, or done by the state:

Examples:

a state legislature/law
state police
17

Examples:

a state dinner
18
the condition that someone or something is in at a particular time:

Examples:

The offices were in a state of disrepair.
The index for capital goods production is a key indicator of the state of the economy.
They commented on the poor state of the company's finances.
Some economists are predicting that public finances will return to a healthy state within five years.
They are paid a stable, fair price, regardless of the current state of the market.
19

Examples:

Poor decisions by the board bear most of the responsibility for this sorry state of affairs.
20

Examples:

The meeting reviewed the state of play in each market.
21
a country with its own government:

Examples:

the West African State of Ghana
The legislation requires the agreement of every one of the EU's member states.
22
a part of a large country such as Australia, Germany, or the US that has its own government:

Examples:

23
the government of a country:

Examples:

funded/provided/run by the state
affairs/matters of state
The government was determined to reduce the number of state-owned industries.
They hope to reduce dependence on the state by paying benefits only to those whose income falls below a new, higher tax threshold.
24
used to refer to the United States of America:

Examples:

If they wish to work in the States again, they must show proof of employment with a US-based employer.
25
to say or write something, especially when it is done clearly and carefully:

Examples:

state that The rules state that the directors are required by law to prepare financial statements for each financial period.
Make your claim in writing, stating your full name and address.
state a fact/opinion I wasn't criticizing the way you run the department; I was merely stating facts.
26
to give or agree the details of something:

Examples:

a stated commitment/goal The central bank's stated goal is to keep the inflation rate between 1 and 3%.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate.
A fund with a 50% turnover has bought and sold half of the value of its total investment portfolio during the stated period.
27
provided, owned, or done by the government of a country:

Examples:

state companies/enterprises/monopolies The main ports are owned by state economic enterprises.
state education/a state school
state subsidies
28
relating to a particular state of a country, especially the US:

Examples:

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