establish
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to start a company, organization, or system that will continue for a long time.
to set up an organisation, system, or set of rules on a firm or permanent basis.
Simple“The family established a successful clothing business in the city over fifty years ago.”
In context“The treaty established a new framework for international cooperation, ensuring that all member states adhered to the same environmental standards.”
UsageOften used with organizations, businesses, or formal systems as the object.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to show that something is true by using facts or evidence.
to achieve permanent acceptance or recognition for a fact or theory by providing evidence.
Simple“The police are still trying to establish the facts of the case.”
In context“The researchers were able to establish a clear link between the new medication and the improved recovery rates in the patient group.”
UsageCommonly used in legal, scientific, and academic contexts with objects like 'facts', 'links', or 'truth'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
to become successful and respected in a particular job or field.
to place someone or oneself in a position of respect or success within a profession or community.
Simple“She quickly established herself as one of the best lawyers in the firm.”
In context“By the age of thirty, he had established himself as a leading authority on medieval architecture through several influential publications.”
UsageFrequently used in the reflexive form 'establish oneself as'.
Synonymsentrenchsettle
Usage establish new · establish a baseline · clearly establish
“But water companies argue that these problems can only be solved by boosting spending to replace pipes, build treatment plants and establish new reservoirs.”
“Umit – a wild-caught female tiger transported from the Russian far east – will be joined by more big cats in the coming years, with plans to establish a self-sustaining population of about 50.”
From Middle English establissen, from Old French establiss-, stem of some of the conjugated forms of establir, (Modern French établir), from Latin stabiliō, stabilīre, from stabilis (“firm, steady, stable”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.