establish
/ɪˈstæb.lɪʃ/- 1.
To start or create something that is meant to be permanent and lasting, such as an organization, system, or law.
- The university was established over one hundred years ago.
- The two countries signed a treaty to establish peace.
- She established a new policy for handling complaints.
- 2.
To prove or show something clearly so that people accept it as true or real.
- The investigation established that the accident was caused by faulty brakes.
- Scientists have established a clear link between smoking and cancer.
- The lawyer worked hard to establish her client's innocence.
- 3.
To build a secure reputation or position for yourself or something else over time.
- He established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
- The brand established a loyal customer base within two years.
Adinary Nuance
"Establish" sits at a formality level above the casual set up and slightly below the historical-sounding found. You "set up" a meeting or a small shop, but you "establish" a business, rule, or reputation — the word signals something permanent and significant. Found is mostly reserved for institutions like universities or companies, often in a legal or historical sense ("The college was founded in 1870"), whereas "establish" can also apply to facts, habits, and relationships, giving it much wider use. In IELTS and academic writing, "establish" is strongly preferred over "set up" because it conveys weight and formality that examiners expect.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Thiết lập
- Spanish
- Establecer
- Chinese
- 建立
- Japanese
- 確立する
- Korean
- 확립하다
Etymology
From Old French "establir" and Latin "stabilire," meaning to make firm or stable, entering English in the late 14th century. The Latin root "stabilis" (firm, steady) is also the ancestor of modern words like "stable" and "stability."
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'establish' formal or informal?
- It is formal. It is a strong choice for academic essays, business writing, and IELTS tasks. In casual spoken English, people more often say 'set up' instead.
- What is the difference between 'establish' and 'found'?
- 'Found' is mainly used for organizations, companies, or cities — often in a historical context. 'Establish' is broader: you can establish a fact, a habit, a relationship, or a reputation, not just an institution.
- Can I use 'establish' in IELTS writing?
- Yes, and it is highly recommended. Words like 'establish' show academic vocabulary range, which directly affects your Lexical Resource score. Prefer it over 'set up' in formal Task 2 essays.
- What does 'establish yourself' mean?
- It means to earn a respected or secure position in a field, community, or role over time. For example, 'She took five years to establish herself as a top designer.'