status quo
Use Status quo in a sentence
noun
the existing state or condition.
Also called status in quo.
Origin:
1825–35; < Latin status quō literally, state in which
1825–35; < Latin status quō literally, state in which
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To status quo
Collins
World English Dictionary
status quo (kwəʊ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| the status quo the existing state of affairs | |
| [literally: the state in which] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10
Status quo
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal. |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
status quo
1833, from L. status quo "the state in which," hence "existing state of affairs." Also status quo ante "the state in which before, state of affairs previous" (1877).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary
status quo definition
The existing order of things; present customs, practices, and power relations: “People with money are often content with the status quo.” From Latin, meaning “the state in which.”
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases
status quo
The existing condition or state of affairs, as in We don't want to admit more singers to the chorus; we like the status quo. This term, Latin for "state in which," has been used in English since the early 1800s.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Example sentences
The problem may be motivating the males, who know that if they maintain the status quo in this situation they benefit.
Nothing is more difficult for the reasonable, settled, status quo state than to contemplate fanaticism.
Above all, though, donors must recognize that the current status quo is unacceptable.
Until suffragettes and gays provoked the status quo by standing up and telling the truth, as moral and forthright individuals.
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