WordGarden.iostatement
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈeɪtmənt/
US
- /ˈsteɪtmənt/
Meanings
Noun
something said or written that expresses information, an opinion, or a position
a document or record showing money in an account or an organization's finances
a formal account given to police or a court
More meaningsFewer meanings
a sentence that makes an assertion rather than asking a question or giving a command
a single instruction or command in a computer program or query language
something designed to attract attention and express a style or attitude
Beyond the definition
A statement is more than just saying something. It is a clear expression of facts, opinions, or intentions. Think of a detective collecting statements from witnesses. These are not casual chats, but formal accounts used to help establish what happened. You can also make a fashion statement with what you wear, or read a financial statement that shows money coming in and going out. A statement can be spoken, written, or sometimes shown through actions. It is used to share information, express a view, or make a position clear.
A statement is a formal declaration or account of facts, opinions, or intentions. It goes beyond casual conversation; it is a deliberate expression meant to communicate something specific. Think of the Declaration of Independence—a powerful statement outlining the reasons for separation from British rule.
Statements come in many forms. A written statement might be a police report, a press release, or a legal document. An oral statement could be testimony in court, a politician's speech, or simply someone explaining their point of view. But statements aren't limited to words! Your actions can also make a statement—wearing bright colors might be a statement about your personality, while donating to charity is a statement about your values.
In finance and accounting, a statement refers to a summary of financial transactions, like an income statement or balance sheet. These documents provide a clear picture of an entity's financial health.
The strength of a statement often depends on the evidence supporting it. A strong statement is backed by facts and logic, while a weak statement might be based on speculation or mere opinion. Whether it is a legal declaration, a personal belief, or a financial report, a statement aims to convey information and establish a clear, definitive position.
Examples
- 1
Company response
The company issued a statement after the accident.
- 2
Police account
In her statement to the police, she said she had heard shouting downstairs.
- Patternstatement to + authority
a formal written or recorded account given to them
- 3
Public policy
The president is expected to make a statement on tax policy tomorrow.
- Patternmake a statement on + topic
speak publicly and formally about it
- 4
Formal claim
The report included a statement that several safety checks had been skipped.
- Patternstatement that + clause
a formal claim or declaration
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Banking
I check my bank statement at the end of every month.
- 6
Trial speech
His lawyer kept her opening statement short and direct.
- Phraseopening statement
the first formal speech at the start of a trial
- 7
Style impact
The necklace is simple, but it still makes a statement.
- Phrasemake a statement
attract attention and show a strong style or attitude
- 8
University application
She spent all weekend rewriting her personal statement for university applications.
- Phrasepersonal statement
a short piece of writing about yourself and your goals
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- make a statement
- issue a statement
- official statement
- statement of fact
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- statementnoun
Forms
- statementspluralnoun