status
STAT-us
/ˈstætəs/
The relative social, professional, or other standing of someone or something.
Implies a position within a hierarchy or social structure, often associated with respect, prestige, or power. It can be ascribed (born into) or achieved.
The story behind the word. The word 'status' comes directly from Latin, where 'status' meant 'a standing,' 'position,' or 'condition.' It's derived from the verb 'stare,' meaning 'to stand.' So, your 'status' is literally where you 'stand' in society, in a group, or in relation to others. It reflects your position, whether high or low, in a social or professional hierarchy.
Word relationships
- rank: A position in a hierarchy.
- standing: One's reputation or position, especially within a group or profession.
- prestige: Widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of their achievements or quality.
- insignificance: The quality of being too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.
- lowliness: The quality of being humble in station or rank.
Commonly confused with
- situation: 'Situation' is a general term for circumstances; 'status' specifically refers to one's position or rank within a social or professional context.
Word family
- stature (noun): A person's natural height; or, importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement.
- statutory (adjective): Required, permitted, or enacted by statute.
Collocations
- social status
- high status
- low status
- status symbol
- gain status
- lose status
Idioms & expressions
- status quo
Example sentences
- "Achieving high academic marks often grants students a certain status among their peers." Describing social standing.
- "His promotion to senior manager significantly elevated his professional status within the company." In a professional context.
- "The country's economic status has improved considerably over the last decade." From a news report.
Memory hook
Your 'status' is where you 'stand' in the social order. Where you stand
When not to use
Do not use 'status' to simply mean 'situation' or 'condition' without the connotation of rank or position (e.g., 'the status of the weather' is incorrect).
Fun facts
- The phrase 'status symbol' refers to a possession that is considered to show a person's high social or economic status.
Related words
Explore more words
prestige, peer, hierarchy, supremacy, profession, advancement
Also appears in
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