stat·al \ˈstād.əl\adjective Etymology:state (I) + -al 1.often capitalized: of or relating to a state (as of the United States or India) < statal citizenship > < the statal economy > 2.: of or relating to a national government < the sanctuaries of statal authority — Fortnightly Review > 3.of a passive verb form: expressing a state or condition (as was closed in “the door was closed all day”) — contrasted with actional