state of affairs
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The general condition or situation of things; the existing set of circumstances: This term refers to the overall picture or reality of a particular situation at a specific time. It describes how things stand, often implying a complex or noteworthy condition.
Usage
"State of affairs" is a formal or semi-formal noun phrase used to describe a current situation, especially one that is complex, problematic, or significant. It is often used in analytical, political, journalistic, or business contexts to summarize conditions.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "The state of affairs" is frequently used with adjectives like , , , , , or to provide an evaluation of the situation.
- The committee's report outlined the current state of affairs in the healthcare sector.
- It's a sorry state of affairs when basic needs cannot be met.
Variants and Related Words
- Affair (n.): While "affair" can mean a matter, concern, or event, in the plural form "affairs" it often refers to matters of public or official interest (e.g., , ). "State of affairs" builds on this meaning to describe the condition of those matters.
Synonyms
- Situation: The set of circumstances in which one finds oneself.
- Condition(s): The existing state of things.
- Circumstances: The conditions or facts affecting a situation.
- Status quo: The existing state of affairs.
Related Phrases
- State of play: A similar phrase, often used in sports, business, or politics to describe the current situation or balance of power.
- Let me brief you on the state of play in the negotiations.
Noun
- 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