What does "establish" mean?

1. (to set up or found) to start a company, organization, or system that will continue for a long time. 2. (to prove as true) to show that something is true by using facts or evidence. 3. (to gain a reputation) to become successful and respected in a particular job or field.

How do you use "establish"?

Often used with organizations, businesses, or formal systems as the object. Commonly used in legal, scientific, and academic contexts with objects like 'facts', 'links', or 'truth'. Frequently used in the reflexive form 'establish oneself as'.

establish

US //ɪˈstæbɫɪʃ// UK //ɪstˈæblɪʃ// es·tab·lish

1 to set up or found (v.)
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.

Example

The family established a successful clothing business in the city over fifty years ago.

Example

The treaty established a new framework for international cooperation, ensuring that all member states adhered to the same environmental standards.

Usage

Often used with organizations, businesses, or formal systems as the object.
- found
- institute
- set up
- dissolve
- abolish
2 to prove as true (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

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.

Example

The police are still trying to establish the facts of the case.

Example

The researchers were able to establish a clear link between the new medication and the improved recovery rates in the patient group.

Usage

Commonly used in legal, scientific, and academic contexts with objects like 'facts', 'links', or 'truth'.
- disprove
- refute

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3 to gain a reputation (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

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.

Example

She quickly established herself as one of the best lawyers in the firm.

Example

By the age of thirty, he had established himself as a leading authority on medieval architecture through several influential publications.

Usage

Frequently used in the reflexive form 'establish oneself as'.
- entrench
- settle

Origin

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”).

Word family

Verbestablish
Verbreestablish
Nounestablishment