English Reference
verb · noun

establishing

v. · n.
US /ɪˈstæbɫɪʃɪŋ/ UK /ɪstˈæblɪʃɪŋ/ es·tab·lish·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.starting a company, organisation, or system that is intended to last for a long time.

    v.the process of founding or instituting an entity, system, or set of rules with the intent of permanence.

    Simple

    Establishing a new business requires a lot of paperwork and patience.

    In context

    Establishing the non-profit foundation took several years of legal negotiations and significant initial investment from the local community.

    Usage

    Often used as a gerund acting as the subject of a sentence.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.showing that something is definitely true or exists.

    v.demonstrating the truth or validity of a fact or theory through evidence or logical proof.

    Simple

    The police are still establishing the facts of the accident.

    In context

    Establishing a clear timeline of events was essential for the jury to understand the defendant's motivations.

    Usage

    Commonly takes a direct object like 'facts', 'truth', or 'evidence'.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.starting a relationship or a way of communicating with someone.

    v.initiating and stabilizing a relationship, rapport, or professional connection.

    Simple

    Establishing a good relationship with your neighbours makes life much easier.

    In context

    Establishing a rapport with the client early in the process helped the consultants secure a long-term contract.

    Usage

    Often used with abstract nouns like 'rapport', 'trust', or 'connection'.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the actual process or act of setting something up.

    n.the action or instance of founding or verifying something; functions as a verbal noun.

    Simple

    The establishing of the new law took many months of debate.

    In context

    The establishing of diplomatic ties between the two nations was seen as a major breakthrough for regional peace.

    Usage

    Usually preceded by 'the' and followed by 'of'.

Under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the offensive that toppled al-Assad, establishing the rule of law has remained a core challenge .

Al Jazeera· 17 Aug 2026

Israel’s military ​invaded a swathe of southern Lebanon during a war with Hezbollah earlier this year, establishing a self-declared security zone it says aims to shield northern Israel from attacks ⁠by the Iran-backed group.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated