institute
IHNS-tiht-yoot
Institute (noun) means an organization set up for a particular purpose, often research, education, or a professional cause. Example: “The institute offers evening courses for people who want to become qualified accountants.”
noun
1
An organization set up for a particular purpose, often research, education, or a professional cause.
"The institute offers evening courses for people who want to become qualified accountants."
"She works at a research institute studying climate change."
"He trained at a technical institute before joining the firm."
verb
1
To officially set something up or start it, such as a rule, policy, or investigation.
"The council plans to institute a ban on cars in the town centre."
"After the complaints, the school instituted an inquiry into how the trip was organised."
"The company instituted a new dress code last month."
How to use institute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, an organization for a specific field of work or study; as a verb, to formally create or begin something.
Common pairings
research institute
institute proceedings
institute a policy
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Word forms
- Plural
- institutes
- Third person singular
- institutes
- Past tense
- instituted
Fill the gap
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The _____ offers evening courses for people who want to become qualified accountants.
Etymology
From Latin institutum, "something established," from instituere, "to set up, establish."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for institute
See all rhymes for institute →Frequently asked questions
What does “institute” mean?
The word “institute” means an organization set up for a particular purpose, often research, education, or a professional cause. In plain terms, as a noun, an organization for a specific field of work or study; as a verb, to formally create or begin something.
How do you pronounce “institute”?
“Institute” is pronounced IHNS-tiht-yoot (/ˈɪnstɪtjuːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “institute” in a sentence?
Here is “institute” used in a sentence: “She works at a research institute studying climate change.”
What part of speech is “institute”?
Depending on how it is used, “institute” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “institute” come from?
The word “institute” comes from Latin. From Latin institutum, "something established," from instituere, "to set up, establish.".
Is “institute” a common word?
“Institute” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “institute” have?
“Institute” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an organization set up for a particular purpose, often research, education, or a professional cause.
What is the difference between an institute and an institution?
An institute is usually a specific organisation devoted to a particular purpose, such as research or training, like a research institute. An institution is broader: it can mean a large, established organisation such as a bank or university, or an established custom or practice, like the institution of marriage.
What is the difference between an institute and a university?
A university is a broad, degree-awarding body covering many subjects. An institute is usually narrower, focused on a specific field such as technology, research, or the arts. Some institutes do award degrees and rival universities, but the word generally signals specialisation rather than a full, multi-subject campus.
What is an example of an institute?
Examples include research bodies such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, professional bodies such as an institute of chartered accountants, and cultural or educational centres such as an art institute. Each is an organisation founded to serve a defined purpose, whether research, training, or advancing a particular profession.
Can institute be used as a verb?
Yes, and the meaning shifts. As a verb, institute means to set up, establish, or begin something, as in to institute new rules or to institute legal proceedings. The noun names an organisation, while the verb describes the act of founding or formally introducing something. The spelling stays the same.
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