status
STAT-uss
/ˈstæ.təs/
A short visible text or indicator in a chat app displaying a user's current availability, task, or state.
Signals whether someone is available, away, in a call, or currently focused on deep work.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'stare', meaning 'to stand'. It evolved from legal standing in Roman law to modern presence indicators showing where a user stands online.
Word relationships
- state: State is general physical condition, while status specifically designates availability indicators.
Commonly confused with
- stature: Stature refers to physical height or prestige, while status refers to online presence.
Collocations
- status message
- current status
- update your status
Idioms & expressions
- status quo
Example sentences
- "Her status showed 'In a meeting until 3 PM', so I decided to send an asynchronous message instead." Remote Workplace
Memory hook
STATUS shows where you STAND online right now. Your current online availability label.
When not to use
Do not confuse with social class or legal standing when discussing digital chat software.
Fun facts
- AOL Instant Messenger away messages in 1997 were the direct ancestor of modern social media status updates!
Explore more words
prestige, peer, hierarchy, supremacy, profession, advancement
Also appears in
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