state
/steɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /steɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstāt/ (ame, mw)
state — noun
- statesingular
- statesplural
1. The particular physical or emotional way someone or something is at a given mome
The particular physical or emotional way someone or something is at a given moment.
After the long flight, Chidi was in such a tired state that he fell asleep at the dinner table.
in a [adjective] state — describing a person's condition
The old house had been empty for years and was in a terrible state of decay.
in a state of [noun] — describing a thing's condition
Doctors described her mental state as stable and improving after the surgery.
The government declared a state of emergency after the floods destroyed thousands of homes.
Elena found her grandmother in a confused state, unable to remember the day of the week.
- condition
more general, used for physical objects and people equally
- situation
focuses on broader circumstances rather than personal condition
- circumstances
more formal, emphasizes external factors
文法句型
in a state of [something]
state of [noun]
[adjective] state
用法筆記
Common in the pattern 'in a [adjective] state' or 'in a state of [noun]'. The adjective often describes strong emotions or physical disrepair.
常見錯誤
2. The general situation or set of circumstances at a particular time, especially t
The general situation or set of circumstances at a particular time, especially the current one.
The finance minister gave a report on the current state of the national economy.
the state of [something] — describing a situation
Asher asked his lawyer to explain the state of his case before the trial began.
The head teacher was unhappy with the present state of discipline at the school.
Negotiators discussed the state of the peace talks and agreed to meet again next month.
文法句型
the state of [something]
state of affairs
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (CONDITION), this sense focuses on the progress or status of an ongoing situation or process, not on a person's physical or emotional condition.
常見錯誤
3. A nation that operates under its own government and controls a specific territor
A nation that operates under its own government and controls a specific territory.
France has been a unified state for centuries, with Paris as its capital.
The conference brought together leaders from every member state of the European Union.
member state — a country that belongs to an international organization
A separate Palestinian state has been a goal of peace negotiations for decades.
Nellie wrote her thesis on how small island states handle the effects of climate change.
文法句型
a state
the State
member state
state-run
用法筆記
Often capitalized (State) when referring to a specific country as a political entity. Frequently found in international relations and political discourse.
常見錯誤
❌ 'New York is a state in the USA' — this is actually correct for sense 5 (REGION), not sense 3. The US is one state (nation) made up of multiple states (regions).
4. The political system or group of institutions that governs a country and makes d
The political system or group of institutions that governs a country and makes decisions on behalf of its people.
In many countries, the state provides free education to all children up to age sixteen.
the state provides — government as service provider
Sofie believes the state should do more to support families with young children.
Separation of church and state means the government does not support any religion.
The state has the power to collect taxes and spend money on public services like roads and hospitals.
- government
more specific to the ruling body at a given time
- administration
focuses on the executive branch in power
- authorities
plural, refers to the people and agencies who enforce laws
文法句型
the State
state control
state intervention
用法筆記
Often capitalized (the State) in formal writing. Distinguish from sense 3 (COUNTRY): sense 4 refers to the governing apparatus, not the territory or population.
常見錯誤
5. One of the divisions of a federal country, such as the United States, India, or
One of the divisions of a federal country, such as the United States, India, or Germany, that has its own local government.
Dylan moved from New York State to California for the warmer weather and job opportunities.
Each state in the US has its own flag, laws, and system of public schools.
The state government of Texas announced new plans to improve highways across the region.
Eri traveled across five different states during her summer road trip through the Midwest.
文法句型
[name] State
the state of [name]
用法筆記
Capitalized when part of a proper name (New York State, the State of Florida). Not all countries use 'state' for internal divisions — the UK has 'nations', Canada has 'provinces'.
常見錯誤
6. An informal way of talking about the US in everyday conversation.
An informal way of talking about the US in everyday conversation.
Mert is planning to move back to the States after finishing his degree in London.
the States — informal name for the USA
When I travel abroad, people often ask me what life is like in the States.
The company exports most of its products to Japan and the States.
Shirin met her husband while they were both studying in the States years ago.
文法句型
the States
the States (informal)
用法筆記
Always used with 'the' (the States). Informal — not suitable for formal writing. In formal contexts, use 'the United States' or 'the US'.
常見錯誤
7. A formal, dignified ceremony or display of official grandeur, especially one inv
A formal, dignified ceremony or display of official grandeur, especially one involving a monarch or head of government.
The queen traveled in state through the streets of the capital in a golden carriage.
in state — with full formal ceremony
The president's body lay in state at the parliament building so citizens could pay their respects.
lie in state — fixed phrase for a deceased leader honored publicly
Ambassadors from fifty nations attended the state banquet at the royal palace.
The king arrived in state for the opening of parliament, wearing his ceremonial robes.
文法句型
in state
state occasion
用法筆記
Almost always appears in fixed phrases: 'in state' (with ceremony), 'lie in state' (of a dead leader), or as a modifier before nouns like 'banquet', 'dinner', 'funeral'.
常見錯誤
state — verb
- statepresent simple I / you / we / they
- states3rd person singular
- stating-ing form
- statedpast simple
1. To express something in words, giving a clear and definite account of facts, opi
To express something in words, giving a clear and definite account of facts, opinions, or intentions.
The witness stated clearly that she had seen the man leave the building before midnight.
state + that-clause — expressing a definite fact
Please state your full name and date of birth on the application form.
Amihan stated her reasons for resigning in a short email to the team.
The contract clearly states that no refunds are given after thirty days.
As stated in the previous chapter, economic growth does not always reduce inequality.
文法句型
state + that-clause
state + noun phrase
state + direct speech
用法筆記
More formal than 'say'. Stronger than 'mention' — implies giving full, deliberate information. Frequently used in legal, academic, and official contexts.
常見錯誤
state — adjective
- statepositive
- statercomparative
- statestsuperlative
1. Belonging to, provided by, or controlled by the national government rather than
Belonging to, provided by, or controlled by the national government rather than private organizations.
Élise studied at a state university, where tuition was much lower than at private colleges.
state university — publicly funded institution
Many older people rely on state pensions as their main source of income after retirement.
The state broadcaster is funded by taxes rather than by advertising revenue.
Faisal works for a state-owned oil company that employs over ten thousand people.
- public
broader, includes local government as well as national
- government
can also be attributive but is more general
- national
emphasizes the whole country rather than regional divisions
- private
owned or run by individuals or companies, not the government
文法句型
state [noun]
用法筆記
Only used before a noun (attributive). Cannot be used after linking verbs ('This school is state' is wrong — say 'This is a state school').
常見錯誤
2. Relating to grand, high-level ceremonies with the participation of a country's l
Relating to grand, high-level ceremonies with the participation of a country's leaders or government representatives.
A state dinner was held at the White House to welcome the visiting prime minister.
state dinner — formal meal with high-level officials
The king's state visit to Japan included meetings with business leaders and cultural events.
The new ambassador presented her credentials at a formal state ceremony in the capital.
Dignitaries from around the world gathered for the former president's state funeral.
文法句型
state [noun]
用法筆記
Only appears before nouns describing formal events (dinner, visit, funeral, banquet, occasion). Cannot be used independently ('The dinner was state' is wrong).
常見錯誤
3. Relating to or belonging to one of the regions (states) that a federal country i
Relating to or belonging to one of the regions (states) that a federal country is divided into.
Shirin applied for a driver's license at the state Department of Motor Vehicles in Austin.
Each state government sets its own rules about speed limits and road safety.
The state police arrested the suspect after a high-speed chase across the county line.
State elections are held every four years to choose the governor and local representatives.
- provincial
used in Canada and some other countries instead of 'state'
- local
broader, includes city and county level
- federal
relating to the national, not regional, level of government
文法句型
state [noun]
用法筆記
Typically used with US states. In other federal countries, 'provincial' (Canada) or 'Land' (Germany) may be preferred. Only appears before nouns.