state crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all the possible solutions for the crossword clue "state crossword clue", organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "state crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAY: To articulate or express verbally, as in to 'state your opinion'.
4 Letters
AVER: To affirm or declare positively, often under oath, synonymous with 'state firmly'.
6 Letters
NATION: A country or political entity, as in 'the state of France'.
ASSERT: To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
AFFIRM: To state positively; declare to be true, often in a formal context.
REPORT: To give a spoken or written account of something, effectively 'stating' facts.
7 Letters
DECLARE: To make a formal or explicit statement, often used when 'stating' something officially.
9 Letters
CONDITION: The state of something with regard to its appearance, quality, or working order, as in 'the state of repair'.
More About "state crossword clue"
The word "state" is a crossword setter's delight due to its rich polysemy – it has multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, "state" can refer to a political entity, such as a country or a subdivision within a federation (e.g., 'nation', 'commonwealth'). It can also signify a condition or mode of being (e.g., 'plight', 'status', 'health'). Furthermore, and perhaps most commonly, it functions as a verb meaning to express something verbally or formally (e.g., 'say', 'declare', 'aver', 'affirm', 'tell').
Understanding these different facets is key to solving clues involving "state." For instance, a clue like "A European state" would lead you towards answers like FRANCE or ITALY, while "State one's case" suggests verbs like ARGUE or PRESENT. A clue referring to "a state of disrepair" would point to answers related to CONDITION or STATUS. Crossword setters often play on these ambiguities, requiring solvers to consider the surrounding context and letter count to pinpoint the exact meaning intended.
This versatility makes "state" a powerful tool for creating challenging and engaging puzzles. Always consider the part of speech (noun or verb) and the specific nuance of the definition required by the puzzle's theme or other crossing letters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your first crucial filter. If "state" is a 3-letter answer, you're likely looking for "SAY" or "TELL." If it's longer, consider "NATION" or "DECLARE."
- Consider the Part of Speech: Is "state" used as a verb (to declare) or a noun (a country, a condition)? This distinction is vital. "State your name" implies a verb; "The American state" implies a noun.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue will provide additional hints, such as "State of mind" (which points to a condition) or "State capital" (pointing to a geographical entity). Use these subtle nudges to guide your answer.
- Check Cross-References: Don't forget to use the intersecting words. If you have a few letters filled in from other clues, they can significantly narrow down the possibilities for "state."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many meanings does 'state' have in crosswords?
'State' is a highly versatile crossword clue, commonly referring to a country (e.g., nation, commonwealth), a condition (e.g., plight, status), or the act of declaring something (e.g., say, aver, affirm, tell, declare). Its multiple meanings are what make it a popular and sometimes tricky clue.
What's the best strategy when encountering 'state' as a clue?
When you see 'state' as a clue, first consider the letter count you need. Then, think about its various definitions: is it a verb (to state something) or a noun (a state/country or a condition)? Check surrounding letters for hints that narrow down the context. Common answers include synonyms for 'say,' 'declare,' or words like 'nation' or 'condition'.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'state' in crosswords?
A common pitfall is to only think of 'state' as a political entity (like a country or U.S. state) and overlook its verbal meaning (to declare) or its meaning as a condition. Always keep all these facets in mind to avoid getting stuck on a single interpretation.