statement

STAYT-ment /ˈsteɪtmənt/
nounB1
neutral

A formal account of financial transactions and the balance of an account over a period of time.

Can also refer to a declaration or assertion. In finance, it's a specific document.

The story behind the word. The word 'statement' comes from the Old French 'estatement', meaning 'a declaration'. This traces back to the Latin 'stare', meaning 'to stand'. A statement is essentially something that 'stands' as a formal declaration or record, making it a reliable account of financial activity.

Word relationships

  • report: A report is a general account of something; a statement is a specific, often formal, financial document.
  • record: A record is any piece of documented information; a statement is a compiled record over time.

Word family

  • state (verb): to express something definitely or clearly.

Collocations

  • bank statement
  • account statement
  • monthly statement
  • financial statement
  • credit card statement

Example sentences

  • "She reviewed her bank statement every month to track her spending and ensure accuracy." Reviewing monthly finances.
  • "The company released a public statement addressing the recent controversy." A public declaration.

Memory hook

A STATEMENT STATES all the details of your account clearly. STATES details

When not to use

Do not use 'statement' when you mean a casual remark or a simple question.

Fun facts

  • The word 'state' itself, meaning a condition or a political entity, also shares the same Latin root 'stare'.

Related words

account, balance, transaction

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