estate
UK: ɪˈsteɪt | US: ɪˈsteɪt
n. a large area of land owned by one person or family
n. all the money and property owned by a person, especially at death
n. a class or category in society (e.g., "the three estates of the realm")
estate = e<out> + state<standing, condition>
- e (from Latin ex-, meaning "out")
- state (from Latin status, meaning "standing, condition")
Etymology Origin:
The word "estate" traces back to Latin status (condition, standing), combined with the prefix ex- (out). It originally referred to one’s social standing or condition, later evolving to denote land or property owned by an individual—reflecting their outward status. In medieval Europe, it also came to classify societal groups (e.g., clergy, nobility, commoners). Over time, "estate" narrowed to focus on tangible assets, particularly land and inheritance.
The family's estate includes a vineyard and a historic manor.
After his death, his estate was divided among his children.
The medieval parliament represented the three estates of the realm.
She manages a large agricultural estate in the countryside.
The lawyer handled the probate of the wealthy businessman’s estate.