state of affairs

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Explanation of "State of Affairs"

Definition: The phrase "state of affairs" refers to the current situation or condition of things. It describes how things are at a specific time, including the circumstances and various factors that are involved.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "state of affairs" can be used in discussions about politics, economics, or social issues, where the conditions are significant and require deeper analysis.

Word Variants:

• State (noun): The condition or situation of something.
• Affair (noun): A situation or event that is often of concern or interest.

Different Meanings:

While "state of affairs" generally refers to a situation or condition, it can also imply a problematic or undesirable circumstance, depending on context.

Synonyms:

• Situation
• Condition
• Circumstance
• Scenario
• Status

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "state of affairs" is not typically part of idioms or phrasal verbs, you might encounter phrases like: - "In this situation": Used to refer to the current state of things. - "Under the circumstances": Similar in meaning, referring to how things are in a specific situation.

Summary:

In summary, "state of affairs" is a useful phrase to describe the current situation or condition of various contexts, particularly when discussing complex circumstances.

Academic

Noun

1. the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
   • the present international situation is dangerous
   • wondered how such a state of affairs had come about
   • eternal truths will be neither true nor eternal unless they have fresh meaning for every new social situation- Franklin D.Roosevelt

Synonyms

• situation