establish
ih-STAB-lihsh
Establish (verb) means to set something up so firmly that it becomes permanent or generally accepted. Example: “The company established a new office in Singapore last year.”
verb
1
To set something up so firmly that it becomes permanent or generally accepted.
"The company established a new office in Singapore last year."
"It took decades to establish the charity as a trusted name."
"The family established a small bakery that is now loved across the town."
2
To prove or show that something is true, using evidence.
"The lawyers worked to establish the defendant's alibi."
"Scientists established a clear link between the two diseases."
"Detectives are trying to establish exactly where the missing man was that evening."
How to use establish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo start or set up something so it lasts, or to prove something is true with solid evidence.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "instate" or "instill" — establish is broader and covers both founding institutions and proving facts.
Common pairings
establish a business
establish contact
establish a fact
establish trust
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- establishes
- Past tense
- established
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company _____ a new office in Singapore last year.
Etymology
From Old French establir, from Latin stabilire, "to make stable" — from stabilis, "firm, steady."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for establish
See all rhymes for establish →Frequently asked questions
What does “establish” mean?
The word “establish” means to set something up so firmly that it becomes permanent or generally accepted. In plain terms, to start or set up something so it lasts, or to prove something is true with solid evidence.
How do you pronounce “establish”?
“Establish” is pronounced ih-STAB-lihsh (/ɪˈstæb.lɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “establish” in a sentence?
Here is “establish” used in a sentence: “The company established a new office in Singapore last year.”
What part of speech is “establish”?
“Establish” is a verb.
Where does the word “establish” come from?
The word “establish” comes from Latin. From Old French establir, from Latin stabilire, "to make stable" — from stabilis, "firm, steady.".
Is “establish” a common word?
“Establish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “establish” have?
“Establish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to set something up so firmly that it becomes permanent or generally accepted.
What is the difference between establish and create?
To create something is simply to bring it into existence. To establish it goes further: you set it up on a firm, lasting footing so that it endures or becomes widely accepted. You might create a rule in a moment, but you establish it only once it takes hold and truly sticks.
What is the difference between establish and found?
The two overlap when talking about organisations. To found something is to start it, to be the one who brings it into being. To establish it means setting it up so securely that it lasts and gains acceptance. You can found a company on day one but spend years establishing it.
What is an example of establish?
You might establish a business, meaning you set it up to run permanently, or establish a rule that everyone comes to follow. You can also establish trust, a reputation, or a routine. In each case the word implies not just starting something, but making it firm, lasting, or generally accepted.
What does it mean to establish yourself?
To establish yourself is to become recognised, secure, and respected in a particular field or place. A writer establishes herself once her name is known and her position is settled. It suggests you have moved past starting out and are now firmly and durably part of that world.
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