Collins English-English Dictionary

state [steɪt]

1. 1. n the condition of a person, thing, etc, with regard to main attributes

2. 2. n the structure, form, or constitution of something

   a solid state

3. 3. n any mode of existence

4. 4. n position in life or society; estate

5. 5. n ceremonious style, as befitting wealth or dignity

   to live in state

6. 6. n a sovereign political power or community

7. 7. n the territory occupied by such a community

8. 8. n the sphere of power in such a community

   affairs of state

9. 9. n [often capital] one of a number of areas or communities having their own governments and forming a federation under a sovereign government, as in the US

10. 10. n [often capital] the body politic of a particular sovereign power, esp as contrasted with a rival authority such as the Church

11. 11. n [obsolete] a class or order; estate

12. 12. n [informal] a nervous, upset, or excited condition (esp in the phrase in a state)

13. 13. modifier controlled or financed by a state

    state university

14. 14. modifier of, relating to, or concerning the State

    State trial

15. 15. modifier involving ceremony or concerned with a ceremonious occasion

    state visit

16. 16. vt. [tr; may take a clause as object] to articulate in words; utter

17. 17. vt. to declare formally or publicly

    to state one's innocence

18. 18. vt. to resolve

19. 19. vt. [Etymology] C13: from Old French estat, from Latin status a standing, from stare to stand