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state

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noun American English pronunciation: state /steɪt/ 
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singularstate
pluralstates
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    [countable] [usually singular] the condition of something at a particular time
    the state of:

    We're collecting data on the state of the environment.

    a state of:

    The country is drifting into a state of chaos.

    a sorry state (=a very bad condition):

    Our city's transportation system is in a rather sorry state.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of state
    1. a.
      a particular physical form that something has, especially when this can change

      The curators believe the painting can be restored to its original state.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of state
    2. b.
      [singular] the physical or mental condition of someone at a particular time, usually when this is bad in some way

      A friend found the girl in the street in a distressed state.

      state of:

      The impact seemed to startle him into a state of panic.

      in an awful/dreadful/terrible state:

      By the time he got home, he was in a terrible state.

  3. 3
    [uncountable] the government of a country

    Should the state play a bigger role in industry?

    The ruling banned the state-run news media from promoting political candidates.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of state
    See also  head of state

phrases

This is the American English definition of state. View British English definition of state.

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