State Meaning

UK /steɪt/
US /steɪt/
Word Definition
state meaning

State Definition & Usage

noun

A politically organized body of people under a single government; a nation, country, or territory.

Examples

  • "The state declared a state of emergency after the natural disaster."
  • "Many states in the US have different laws regarding gun ownership."
  • "She’s traveling to several European states this summer."
  • "The UN has over 190 member states."
  • "After the war, the country was divided into several independent states."
noun

The condition or mode of being of someone or something, often referring to health, mood, or physical/mental condition.

Examples

  • "His state of mind was fragile after the accident."
  • "The building was in a state of disrepair after the earthquake."
  • "She was in a happy state after receiving the good news."
  • "The patient’s state improved significantly overnight."
  • "The state of the economy is concerning many analysts."
noun

A formal declaration of a particular condition or status, often made by an authority.

Examples

  • "The president issued a statement declaring the state of emergency."
  • "The company’s financial state was discussed during the meeting."
  • "The state of affairs in the region remains uncertain."
  • "The government gave an official statement on the current state of negotiations."
  • "They are monitoring the state of the economy closely to adjust policy."
verb

To express or declare something officially or formally.

Examples

  • "The president will state his position on the issue in the press conference."
  • "The lawyer stated that the evidence was insufficient for a conviction."
  • "She stated her opinion clearly during the meeting."
  • "He stated that he would not accept the terms of the contract."
  • "Please state your name and the reason for your visit."
verb

To be in a particular condition or state, to exist in a certain way.

Examples

  • "The country’s economic situation is currently stated as unstable."
  • "The contract states that all payments must be made within 30 days."
  • "The rules clearly state that students must submit their assignments by Friday."
  • "The document states the guidelines for the new policy."
  • "The report states that the company has made significant progress."

Cultural Context

The word 'state' has multiple meanings that have evolved over centuries. Originally derived from Latin 'status', meaning 'condition' or 'position', it has taken on a variety of meanings related to political structures, health, conditions, and formal declarations. In modern usage, 'state' is a term common in politics, law, and sociology but also widely used in casual contexts to discuss health and emotional conditions.

The Changing State of Affairs

Story

The Changing State of Affairs

Once upon a time in a small town nestled between mountains and forests, there was a peculiar state of affairs that puzzled its residents. People spoke of it in whispers, with concern lining their faces. The economy was struggling, the local government was in disarray, and there was even talk of the state splitting into separate regions. But none of that seemed to concern young Clara, who, one morning, decided to walk through the town square to observe the true 'state' of things. As she passed the old bakery, she overheard a conversation between two elderly women. 'The state of the economy is worsening, and the governor hasn't done a thing,' said one woman. The other nodded. 'I heard the state might even declare an emergency soon, just like they did last year when the floods came.' Clara continued her walk, pondering their words. She reached the edge of town where a large, red brick building stood. This was the state office, where the local government had its headquarters. She stepped inside and was greeted by the stern face of a clerk. 'How can I help you?' he asked. Clara smiled politely. 'I’m just wondering about the current state of affairs. How’s everything going?' The clerk sighed. 'Not well. The state is in chaos, and it feels like no one is in charge. But I’m just stating facts. You’ll see it all on the news.' Later that day, Clara met her friend, Emma, in the park. Emma was sitting on a bench, deep in thought. 'What’s bothering you?' Clara asked. Emma looked up, her face clouded with concern. 'I’m not sure I can handle the state I’m in. I’ve been so stressed about the upcoming exams, and I feel like everything is just... too much.' Clara nodded sympathetically. 'I get that. It’s hard to keep up with everything going on in the world, but sometimes you just need to take a break and focus on your own state of mind.' As they sat together, watching the sun set over the hills, Clara realized that, despite the turbulent 'state' of the world around them, there was still peace to be found in moments like these. And sometimes, that was the most important state of all.

The Changing State of Affairs