status quo

Pronunciation

• /ˌsteɪtəs ˈkwoʊ/ (American English)

Origin

Latin, meaning "the state in which"

Meanings

1. The current situation or state of affairs
2. The existing condition or circumstances

Example Sentences

1. The company's CEO was determined to maintain the status quo rather than implement risky changes.
2. Many young voters are frustrated with the political status quo and are calling for reform.
3. The peace treaty aimed to preserve the status quo in the region.

Related Words

• Forms: (none, as it's a fixed phrase)
• Synonyms:
  • existing state
  • current condition
  • prevailing situation
  • established order

Memorization Trick

Think of "status" as "state" and "quo" as "currently." The status quo is the state things are currently in. Imagine a frozen frame in a movie – that's the status quo until something changes.