state of war: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Political, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “state of war” mean?
A formal or legal condition of active armed conflict between nations, states, or large groups.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal or legal condition of active armed conflict between nations, states, or large groups.
A prolonged period of intense hostility, conflict, or competition, not necessarily involving physical military action (e.g., a trade war).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The legalistic term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same gravitas and formal connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American media and political discourse due to historical context, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “state of war” in a Sentence
[Country/Group A] is in a state of war with [Country/Group B].A state of war exists between [X] and [Y].The two nations entered a state of war.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “state of war” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government is preparing to officially declare a state of war.
- The two countries have been warring for years.
American English
- Congress has the power to declare a state of war.
- The factions have warred intermittently for decades.
adverb
British English
- The army moved warily through the contested zone.
- The two leaders spoke warily of each other's intentions.
American English
- The diplomats proceeded cautiously, given the state of war.
- She eyed her business rival warily during the meeting.
adjective
British English
- The warring factions refused to negotiate.
- The wartime economy was strictly regulated.
American English
- The warring parties finally signed a truce.
- Wartime measures were implemented immediately.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The two companies are in a state of war over market share.' Rare in literal sense.
Academic
Common in Political Science, History, and International Law to describe formal inter-state relations during conflict.
Everyday
Used in news reports and serious discussions about international conflicts. Not casual.
Technical
A precise legal term in international law defining the rights and obligations of belligerents and neutrals.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “state of war”
- Using it for minor disputes (e.g., 'My neighbours and I are in a state of war over the fence').
- Confusing with 'state of emergency' or 'martial law'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'state of war' is the legal or formal condition. Active battles are a manifestation of it, but a state of war can exist without ongoing fighting (a 'cold war' or 'frozen conflict').
It is possible but highly metaphorical and dramatic (e.g., 'My brother and I are in a state of war over our inheritance'). In formal writing, it should be reserved for large-scale, typically political-military conflicts.
'War' is the general concept or event. 'State of war' emphasises the ongoing, formalised condition or status resulting from a declaration of war. It's often used in legal and diplomatic contexts.
It typically ends with an official peace treaty or an agreement (like an armistice) that is subsequently ratified, legally terminating the condition of belligerency between the parties.
A formal or legal condition of active armed conflict between nations, states, or large groups.
State of war is usually formal, legal, political, journalistic in register.
State of war: in British English it is pronounced /steɪt əv wɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /steɪt əv wɔr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All's fair in love and war.”
- “To be at war with someone/something.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'state' as a condition or status, and 'war' as the ultimate conflict. It's the official status of being at war.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAR IS A CONTAINER/STATE (We are *in* a state of war); CONFLICT IS WAR (e.g., war on drugs, class war).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'state of war' LEAST likely to be used literally?