/ ˈsteɪtmənt; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C ] something that you say or write that gives information or an opinion :
Are the following statements true or false?
Your statement is misleading.
Is that a statement or a question?
The play makes a strong political statement.
—see also fashion statement
2.
[ C ] statement (on / about sth) a formal or official account of facts or opinions
SYN declaration :
a formal / a public / a written / an official statement
A government spokesperson made a statement to the press.
The prime minister is expected to issue a statement on the policy change this afternoon.
The police asked me to make a statement (= a written account of facts concerning a crime, used in court if legal action follows) .
3.
[ C ] a printed record of money paid, received, etc. :
The directors are responsible for preparing the company's financial statements.
My bank sends me monthly statements.
—see also bank statement ➡ note at bill
4.
[ C ] (in Britain) an official report on a child's special needs made by a local education authority :
a statement of special educational needs
5.
[ U ] ( formal ) the act of stating or expressing sth in words
SYN expression :
When writing instructions, clarity of statement is the most important thing.
■ verb
[ vn ] [ often passive ] (in Britain) to officially decide and report that a child has special needs for his or her education :
statemented children
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SYNONYMS
statement
comment ♦ announcement ♦ remark ♦ declaration ♦ observation
These are all words for sth that you say or write, especially sth that gives information or an opinion.
statement
something that you say or write that gives information or an opinion, often in a formal way:
A government spokesperson made a statement to the press.
comment
something that you say or write that gives an opinion on sth or is a response to a question about a particular situation:
She made helpful comments on my work.
announcement
a spoken or written statement that informs people about sth:
the announcement of a peace agreement
remark
something that you say or write that gives an opinion or thought about sb / sth:
He made a number of rude remarks about the food.
declaration
( rather formal ) an official or formal statement, especially one that states an intention, belief or feeling, or that gives information:
the declaration of war
observation
( rather formal ) a comment, especially one based on sth you have seen, heard or read:
He began by making a few general observations about the report.
comment, remark or observation?
A comment can be official or private. A remark can be made in public or private but is always unofficial and the speaker may not have considered it carefully. An observation is unofficial but is usually more considered than a remark.
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
to make a(n) statement / comment / announcement / remark / declaration / observation
to issue a(n) statement / comment / announcement / declaration
a(n) statement / comment / announcement / remark / declaration / observation about / on sth
an official statement / comment / announcement / declaration
a public statement / comment / announcement / remark / declaration
a private statement / comment / remark / observation