state
gb/stˈeɪt/ us/stˈeɪt/
B1
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
a particular condition or situation
The way something or someone is at a certain time.
Usage pattern:
in a [adjective] state
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'state' with 'country'. In this sense, it means condition, not a political region.
Synonyms
condition (More general and neutral; can be used for physical, mental, or situational circumstances.)
Antonyms
chaos (Represents complete disorder, which is the opposite of an organized or stable state.)
Collocations
state of mind
|in a bad state
|in a good state
|emotional state
|current state
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The house was in a terrible state after the storm.
- Her mental state has improved since the treatment.
- The economy is currently in a fragile state.
- He left the car in a poor state.
- The patient was in a critical state when admitted.
Learner examples
- The room is in a bad state.
- She is in a happy state today.
- The car is in a good state.
- His health is in a bad state now.
Noun
B1
entity
2
a political division or country
A country, or an area inside a country with its own government.
Usage pattern:
the state of [name]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'state' meaning political division with 'state' meaning condition. Context determines meaning.
Synonyms
nation (Refers to an independent country rather than a subdivision of one.)
Antonyms
private sector (In governance context, refers to non-governmental parts of society, opposite of 'the state' as government.)
Collocations
member state
|state government
|sovereign state
|federal state
Themes
politics
|geography
|law
Examples
- Texas is the second-largest state in the US.
- France is a European state with a long history.
- Each state has its own laws and regulations.
- The state is responsible for providing public education.
Learner examples
- Texas is a big state.
- France is a European state.
- Each state has its own rules.
Verb
formal
B2
action
3
to say or write clearly
To say something clearly and formally.
Usage pattern:
to state [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'say' instead of 'state' in formal contexts. 'State' is more official and exact.
Synonyms
declare (Often more formal and public than 'state'.)
Antonyms
withhold (To deliberately not say something, opposite of expressing it.)
Collocations
state clearly
|state the facts
|state your name
|as stated above
Themes
communication
|law
|education
Examples
- Please state your full name for the record.
- The terms and conditions are stated on the back of the form.
- She stated that she was not guilty.
- The report stated that sales had increased.
Learner examples
- Please state your name.
- He stated that he was tired.
- The paper states the rules.
Grammar
Dictionary form
state
IPA
GB/stˈeɪt/
US/stˈeɪt/
Syllables & stress
state (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (state)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: state
- Plural: state, states
Verb
- Base: state
- 3rd Person Singular: states
- Present Participle: stating
- Past: stated
Word family
Expressions
head of state
1/hˈɛd əv stˈeɪt/
fixed phrase
formal
chief representative of a country
The main leader of a country, often the president or monarch.
Examples
- The head of state will visit Japan next month.
- As head of state, she represents the nation abroad.
in a state
1/ˈɪn ə stˈeɪt/
fixed phrase
informal
being upset or anxious
Feeling upset, worried, or excited in a way that shows clearly.
Examples
- She was in a real state after losing her keys.
- Don’t get yourself in such a state over nothing.
state of mind
1/stˈeɪt əv mˈaɪnd/
fixed phrase
a person's mental condition
How someone feels or thinks at a certain time.
Examples
- His calm state of mind helped him solve the problem.
- Meditation can improve your state of mind.