stated case: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “stated case” mean?
A specific instance or example that has been explicitly mentioned or described, often used to illustrate a principle or to stand as a reference point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific instance or example that has been explicitly mentioned or described, often used to illustrate a principle or to stand as a reference point.
In legal contexts, a summary of facts and legal principles of a case prepared for a court's consideration; in general use, an explicitly presented instance or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK legal and academic writing. In the US, 'case in point' or 'given case' might be used in general contexts, with 'stated case' more specific to legal procedure.
Connotations
In UK law, a 'stated case' can be a formal procedure where a lower court states facts for a higher court's opinion. In the US, it's less procedural and more descriptive.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in legal, academic, and policy documents.
Grammar
How to Use “stated case” in a Sentence
The [noun phrase] serves as a stated case for [principle].In the stated case of [example], we see that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stated case” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magistrates' court agreed to state a case for the High Court.
American English
- The attorney moved to have the case stated for appellate review.
adjective
British English
- The tribunal provided a stated-case procedure.
American English
- They followed a stated-case analysis in the report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports and proposals to refer to a specific documented example that supports a strategy. 'The successful merger in 2020 is our stated case for further consolidation.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, law, and social sciences to introduce an example for analysis. 'We will examine the stated case of the 'Trolley Problem' in ethics.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used in structured discussions. 'As a stated case of poor planning, think about what happened last summer.'
Technical
Core use in law, especially UK/Commonwealth law, referring to a case stated for the opinion of a higher court. 'The judge agreed to state a case for the Court of Appeal.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stated case”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stated case”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stated case”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He stated case the problem'). Confusing it with 'case study' (which is broader). Using it in overly informal contexts where 'example' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'stated case' is a specific, mentioned instance, often used as a clear example. A 'case study' is a detailed, in-depth examination of a subject over time.
It's very formal. In everyday speech, use 'example', 'instance', or 'case in point' instead.
In law, the verb phrase is 'to state a case', meaning to prepare and submit a formal statement of facts and legal issues for a higher court's opinion.
No. It is neutral. It can be a positive or negative example, depending on context (e.g., 'a stated case of failure' vs. 'a stated case of success').
A specific instance or example that has been explicitly mentioned or described, often used to illustrate a principle or to stand as a reference point.
Stated case is usually formal, technical in register.
Stated case: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪ.tɪd ˈkeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪ.t̬ɪd ˈkeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take as a stated case”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A case that has been STATED – it's been spoken or written down clearly, not just implied.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN EXAMPLE IS A DOCUMENTED SPECIMEN (to be studied).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stated case' MOST specifically and technically used?