statue
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A three-dimensional artistic representation of a person, animal, or abstract form, typically carved, moulded, or cast in a durable material such as stone, metal, or wood, and intended for public display.
Can metaphorically refer to a person who remains motionless and silent for a long period. In computing, sometimes used for a static, unchanging data structure or object.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a commemorative or decorative public artwork. Distinct from a 'statuette' (small statue) or 'sculpture' (a broader term that includes non-representational works).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Minor potential for confusion with 'statute' (a law) in both dialects.
Connotations
Connotes historical significance, public memory, or artistic achievement in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] a statue (erect/unveil/commission)a statue of [noun phrase]a statue by [artist]a statue in [material/location]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a statue (completely motionless)”
- “Turn someone into a statue (to shock into stillness)”
- “A statue of liberty (reference to the specific monument or as a symbol)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of tourism, public works contracts, or art investment.
Academic
Common in art history, archaeology, classics, and history texts discussing public art and commemoration.
Everyday
Used when discussing public monuments, art in parks, museums, or describing someone standing very still.
Technical
Used in conservation, museology, and heritage studies to describe specific artefact types.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The statuesque model stood with perfect posture.
American English
- Her statuesque frame made her a natural for the role.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a big statue in the park.
- We saw a statue of the queen.
- The city council decided to erect a statue of the famous poet.
- The ancient statue was discovered by archaeologists.
- Protestors demanded the removal of the controversial colonial statue from the town square.
- The bronze statue had developed a beautiful green patina over the centuries.
- The artist's subversive statue, a deconstructed classical figure, challenged traditional notions of commemoration.
- The conservation team used non-invasive techniques to analyse the statue's internal structure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A STATUE is STATic and STAtionary; it STAnds in one place.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMOBILITY IS SOLIDITY (e.g., 'He stood like a statue'); HISTORY IS FROZEN IN STONE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'статус' (status).
- The direct translation 'статуя' is correct, but beware of false friends like 'статут' (statute, a law).
- Pronunciation: the middle sound is /tʃ/ (like 'ch' in 'chew'), not a hard /t/.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'statute' (a law).
- Mispronunciation: /ˈstæt.uː/ instead of /ˈstætʃ.uː/.
- Using 'statue' for small figurines (prefer 'statuette').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a statue most likely to be?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most statues depict people or animals, they can also represent mythological creatures, abstract concepts, or allegorical figures.
'Sculpture' is the broader category of three-dimensional art. A 'statue' is a type of sculpture that is representational (usually of a person or animal) and is often life-sized or larger and designed for public viewing.
No, 'statue' is not used as a standard verb in modern English. The related adjective is 'statuesque'.
In both British and American English, the standard pronunciation is /ˈstætʃ.uː/. The 't' is followed by a 'ch' sound (/tʃ/), not a pure /t/ sound.