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established

adj.
US //ɪˈstæbɫɪʃt// UK //ɪstˈæblɪʃt// es·tab·lished
  1. 1 well-known and accepted (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having existed for a long time and being respected or accepted by most people.

    having been in existence for a significant period and consequently recognised as authoritative or generally accepted.

    Example

    She is an established artist whose paintings are sold in galleries all over the world.

    Example

    The company is an established leader in the telecommunications sector, having maintained a dominant market share for over three decades.

  2. 2 official or state-supported (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    officially recognised by a government or state, especially a church.

    formally recognised by a state as being the official institution within that jurisdiction, particularly regarding religious bodies.

    Example

    The Church of England is the established church in the United Kingdom.

    Example

    The legal privileges of the established church were a subject of intense parliamentary debate during the nineteenth century.

    • unrecognised
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  1. 3 part of the power structure (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    belonging to the group of people who have power and influence in a society.

    integrated into the 'establishment' or the social and economic groups that hold traditional power.

    Example

    The young politician tried to win votes by attacking established political parties.

    Example

    The movement sought to challenge established economic interests that had long dictated the city's urban development policies.

Origin

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

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