choate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “choate” mean?
(adjective, chiefly legal) Complete, perfected, not inchoate. A logically necessary opposite to the legal term 'inchoate'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(adjective, chiefly legal) Complete, perfected, not inchoate. A logically necessary opposite to the legal term 'inchoate'.
In general usage, sometimes humorously or erroneously used to mean 'coherent' or 'well-established', though this stems from a misunderstanding of its strictly legal, correlative nature to 'inchoate'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly an American legal term. It is virtually non-existent in British legal or general usage, where 'perfected' or 'complete' are used instead.
Connotations
In American legal contexts, it is a standard technical term. In general American English, it may be perceived as a mistaken or pretentious use. In British English, it is likely to be seen as an error or an Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in UK English; limited to very specific American legal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “choate” in a Sentence
be/become choaterender something choateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “choate” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The lien will choate upon filing the financing statement.
adjective
British English
- The rights were considered fully perfected (not 'choate').
American English
- A choate lien has priority over later claims.
- The doctrine requires the interest to be choate for federal tax purposes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Rare, potentially in legal philosophy or history discussing the development of legal concepts.
Everyday
Not used; likely to cause confusion.
Technical
Primarily in American property law or secured transactions law to describe a lien or security interest that has met all necessary requirements for perfection against third parties.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “choate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “choate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “choate”
- Using 'choate' as a general synonym for 'coherent' or 'logical'.
- Assuming it is a standard English word with wide application.
- Pronouncing it /tʃoʊt/ (like 'coat').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but with major caveats. It is an established back-formation in American legal terminology. Most general dictionaries label it as 'nonstandard' or note its use is primarily legal. It is not a word for general use.
It is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.eɪt/ (KOH-ayt) in American English, with two syllables. It does not rhyme with 'coat'.
Because it was created by mistakenly removing the 'in-' prefix from 'inchoate', which comes from Latin 'inchoare' (to begin). Critics argue a true opposite isn't needed, as 'complete' or 'perfected' suffice. Its use outside specific legal contexts is often criticized.
No. This is a common error. 'Choate' does not mean coherent, logical, or sensible. Using it in this way will mark your writing as erroneous or affected. Use 'coherent', 'logical', or 'well-formed' instead.
(adjective, chiefly legal) Complete, perfected, not inchoate. A logically necessary opposite to the legal term 'inchoate'.
Choate is usually formal / technical in register.
Choate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.eɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.eɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHOATE' is the CHOsen, cOmplete, and perfectionATE opposite of 'inchoate'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY COMPLETED (vs. inchoate as a journey just begun).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'choate' most accurately and acceptably used?