first state: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “first state” mean?
A nickname for the U.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nickname for the U.S. state of Delaware, denoting its status as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
A formal or historical reference to Delaware; can be used metaphorically to denote precedence, pioneering status, or being the first in any chronological or hierarchical sequence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American, referring to a specific U.S. state. A British equivalent for a 'first' political entity might be 'the first county' or reference to a historic kingdom, but no direct parallel exists.
Connotations
In US usage: historical pride, foundational importance. In potential UK/Int'l usage: likely recognized only in contexts of US geography or history.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English outside of specific discussions of US history or politics.
Grammar
How to Use “first state” in a Sentence
[The] first state [to + INFINITIVE][Proper Noun] , the First StateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first state” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A for this proper noun compound.
American English
- N/A for this proper noun compound.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A as a standard adjective. Can be used attributively: 'First State heritage'.
- The First State Bank has a long history.
American English
- N/A as a standard adjective. Can be used attributively: 'First State regulations'.
- She works for a First State agency.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in branding or naming a company incorporated in Delaware (e.g., 'First State Financial').
Academic
Used in US history, political science, and geography papers discussing the ratification process or state identities.
Everyday
Very low. Primarily used by residents of Delaware, on license plates, or in tourist contexts.
Technical
Used in precise historical chronology and legal contexts referencing the order of ratification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “first state”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “first state”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first state”
- Using lowercase ('the first state') when specifically referring to Delaware. Correct: 'We visited the First State.'
- Confusing it with 'First Estate' or 'first-world state'.
- Using it to refer to any state that is geographically first in a list.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the nickname of Delaware, it is capitalized as 'the First State'. In a generic sense (e.g., 'the first state to legalize something'), it is lowercase.
In general American English, 'the First State' is a proper noun uniquely referring to Delaware. Metaphorically or generically, one could say 'the first state to...' about any state.
The 'first' refers to the order of ratification of the U.S. Constitution (December 7, 1787), not to the order of founding as a colony. Delaware was the first sovereign state to agree to the new federal framework.
It is widely recognized but not used frequently in daily conversation outside of Delaware. It is most seen on official state symbols like license plates, signage, and in historical education.
A nickname for the U.
First state is usually formal, historical in register.
First state: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈsteɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːrst ˈsteɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphor] The first state of grace”
- “[Metaphor] In the first state of mind”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a race: Delaware came in FIRST. The prize was to become a STATE in the new Union. FIRST + STATE = Delaware.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER IS HIERARCHICAL IMPORTANCE (being first grants symbolic prestige).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'First State' used correctly?