state

state / stāt/ • n. 1. the particular condition that someone or something is in at a specific time: the state of the company's finances we're worried about her state of mind. ∎  a physical condition as regards internal or molecular form or structure: water in a liquid state. ∎  [in sing.] (a state) inf. an agitated or anxious condition: don't get into a state. ∎  [in sing.] inf. a dirty or untidy condition: look at the state of you—what a mess! ∎  Physics short for quantum state. 2. a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government: the state of Israel. ∎  an organized political community or area forming part of a federal republic: the German state of Bavaria. ∎  (the States) informal term for United States. 3. the civil government of a country: services provided by the state | [in comb.] state-owned companies | King Fahd appointed a council to advise him on affairs of state. ∎  (the States) the legislative body in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney. 4. pomp and ceremony associated with monarchy or high levels of government: he was buried in state. 5. an impression taken from an etched or engraved plate at a particular stage. ∎  a particular printed version of the first edition of a book, distinguished from others by prepublication changes. • adj. 1. of, provided by, or concerned with the civil government of a country: the future of state education a state secret. 2. used or done on ceremonial occasions; involving the ceremony associated with a head of state: a state visit to Hungary by Queen Elizabeth. • v. 1. express something definitely or clearly in speech or writing: the report stated that more than 51 percent of voters failed to participate | [with direct speech] “Money hasn't changed me,” she stated firmly | [tr.] people will be invited to state their views. ∎  [tr.] chiefly Law specify the facts of (a case) for consideration: judges must give both sides an equal opportunity to state their case. 2. [tr.] Mus. present or introduce (a theme or melody) in a composition. PHRASES: state of affairs (or things) a situation or set of circumstances: the survey revealed a sorry state of affairs in schools. state of the art the most recent stage in the development of a product, incorporating the newest ideas and the most up-to-date features. ∎  [as adj.] incorporating the newest ideas and the most up-to-date features: a new state-of-the-art hospital. state of emergency a situation of national danger or disaster in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures in order to regain control: the government has declared a state of emergency. state of grace a condition of being free from sin. state of life (in religious contexts) a person's occupation, calling, or status. state of war a situation when war has been declared or is in progress.DERIVATIVES: stat·a·ble adj.