What is status? Pronunciation and usage in English

status means . Learn how to pronounce and use status through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of status

statusnoun

/ˈsteɪtəs/
Definition & pronunciation of status

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "status" in English. There are two main ways it's pronounced, and which one you use depends on where you are from:

1. American English (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈstætəs/ (stress on the first syllable)
  • Sounds: "STAT-us" - The "a" sounds like the "a" in "hat," and the "t" is a clear "t" sound. The "us" is pronounced as a simple "us."

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /ˈstætəs/ (stress on the first syllable) - This is the same as in American English!
  • However, British English often adds a slight "eh" sound to the "a" in the first syllable. It’s subtle, but it’s there. Think of it like saying "STAT-uhs."

Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols (for the American pronunciation, as it's more prevalent):

  • /ˈstætəs/
    • /ˈstæt/ - This is the stressed syllable. The 'ˈ' symbol indicates the stressed syllable.
    • /tæt/ - The "t" followed by the "a" sound like in "hat."
    • /s/ - A soft "s" sound.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google: Simply search "how to pronounce status" on Google and you'll find audio clips.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/status/ - This website allows you to hear native speakers pronounce the word from different countries.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce status" on YouTube for video tutorials.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word status in English

Let's break down how to use the word "status" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a range of meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. Social Status (Most Common Usage)

  • Definition: This refers to a person's position or rank in a social hierarchy. It's about how much respect, influence, or privilege they have.
  • Examples:
    • "He achieved a high status in the company due to his hard work." (Implies respect and recognition)
    • "Social status is often determined by wealth and education." (Refers to how people are perceived within society)
    • "She’s trying to climb the social status ladder." (Meaning she's trying to improve her position in society)
    • “The wealthy elite hold a privileged status.”

2. Condition/State (Referring to things – physical, digital, etc.)

  • Definition: This refers to the current condition or state of something. Think of it as "how things are."
  • Examples:
    • "The car’s status is ‘broken’." (Meaning it's not working correctly)
    • "Check the status of your order online." (Meaning check its current progress.)
    • "Her health status is stable." (Referring to her current health condition)
    • "The status of the negotiations is unclear." (Meaning the progress of the negotiations is uncertain)

3. Online Status (Social Media)

  • Definition: This is a very common usage in the digital world, referring to an indicator of a user’s availability or activity on social media platforms.
  • Examples:
    • "His status on Facebook changed to 'Online'." (He's currently active on that platform)
    • “She set her WhatsApp status to a funny photo.” (The image is her temporary display)
    • "I’m currently offline – you’ll see my status as ‘Away’.”

4. Legal/Official Status

  • Definition: Refers to a person’s official position or legal standing.
  • Examples:
    • “He was granted refugee status.” (Official recognition of his status as a refugee)
    • “The building’s status is listed as ‘historic’.” (Official designation)

5. Formal/Official Position (More Formal)

  • Definition: Can refer to a formal role or position within an organization or community. (Often used with "held" or "as").
  • Examples:
    • "He held the status of Senior Manager."
    • “She was appointed to the board with the status of Vice-President.”

Key Phrases & Common Combinations:

  • Social status: (As defined above)
  • Change in status: (A shift in a person's position or condition.)
  • High status: (Important or respected)
  • Low status: (Less important or respected)
  • Current status: (The present condition)
  • Official status: (Legal or formal standing)

Tips for Using "Status":

  • Context is key: The meaning of “status” depends heavily on the context.
  • Don’t conflate the meanings: Be careful not to use “social status” to mean “condition” (e.g., don't say "The car's social status is broken").

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "status"? (e.g., social media, a formal discussion, describing a situation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word status

Practice with vocabulary status

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university announced a change in the application ______ for international students, effective next semester.
  2. Before making a decision, we need an updated report on the financial ______ of the proposed acquisition.
  3. The team's dedication led to significant ______ in overcoming technical challenges ahead of schedule.
  4. Employees must adhere to strict safety ______ at all times while on the factory floor to prevent accidents.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of these words or phrases best describes someone's position or standing within a social or professional hierarchy?

    • A) Rank
    • B) Stature
    • C) Condition
    • D) Status

  2. The regulatory body is evaluating the environmental ______ of the proposed industrial development project.

    • A) state
    • B) impact
    • C) status
    • D) consequence

  3. Which of these refers to the legal recognition or classification of a person or entity within a specific jurisdiction?

    • A) Legal disposition
    • B) Legal standing
    • C) Legal precedent
    • D) Legal status

  4. Before signing the contract, carefully review all the ______ and clauses to ensure you understand your obligations.

    • A) terms
    • B) situations
    • C) scenarios
    • D) conditions

  5. The CEO's unexpected resignation has created a highly unpredictable ______ for the company's immediate future.

    • A) outlook
    • B) situation
    • C) progress
    • D) development

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project is currently proceeding as planned, with no major issues reported. (Rewrite using "status")
  2. What is the current condition of your visa application? (Rewrite using "status")
  3. Her role in the organization gives her considerable influence over strategic decisions. (Rewrite without using "status")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. status
  2. status
  3. progress
  4. protocols

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) Rank, B) Stature, D) Status
  2. A) state, C) status
  3. B) Legal standing, D) Legal status
  4. A) terms, D) conditions
  5. B) situation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The current status of the project indicates it is proceeding as planned, with no major issues reported.
  2. What is the current status of your visa application?
  3. Her position in the organization gives her considerable influence over strategic decisions.

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