State

/steɪt/ · noun

Meaning

A condition; a set of circumstances applying at any given time..

Definitions by Sense

1. A condition; a set of circumstances applying at any given time.
2. High social standing or circumstance.
3. A polity or community.
4. (mathematics, stochastic processes) An element of the range of the random variables that define a random process.
5. (grammar, semantics) The lexical aspect (aktionsart) of verbs or predicates that do not change over time.
6. (transitive) To declare to be a fact.
7. (transitive) To make known.
8. (obsolete) Stately.

Example Sentences

a state of being

a state of emergency

Relate what Latium was, her ancient Kings : / Declare the paſt, and preſent State of things, / When firſt the Trojan Fleet Auſonia ſought ; / And how the Rivals lov’d, and how they fought.

I corralled the judge, and we started off across the fields, in no very mild state of fear of that gentleman's wife, whose vigilance was seldom relaxed.

[…]distinctions among states of affairs are reflected to a striking degree in distinctions among Aktionsart types. That is, situations are expressed by state verbs or predicates, events by achievement verbs or predicates, and actions by activity verbs or predicates.

The most basic Aktionsart distinction is between states and occurrences.

He stated that he was willing to help.

Carried somehow, somewhither, for some reason, on these surging floods, were these travelers, of errand not wholly obvious to their fellows, yet of such sort as to call into query alike the nature of their errand and their own relations. It is easily earned repetition to state that Josephine St. Auban's was a presence not to be concealed.

Synonyms for state

Antonyms for state

Related Words

Word Forms

• states
• stating
• stated
• more state
• most state

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions