What does "establishing" mean?

1. (starting an organisation) starting a company, organisation, or system that is intended to last for a long time. 2. (proving a fact) showing that something is definitely true or exists. 3. (building a relationship) starting a relationship or a way of communicating with someone. 4. (the act of creation) the actual process or act of setting something up.

How do you use "establishing"?

Often used as a gerund acting as the subject of a sentence. Commonly takes a direct object like 'facts', 'truth', or 'evidence'. Often used with abstract nouns like 'rapport', 'trust', or 'connection'. Usually preceded by 'the' and followed by 'of'.

establishing

v. · n.

US //ɪˈstæbɫɪʃɪŋ// UK //ɪstˈæblɪʃɪŋ// es·tab·lish·ing

1 starting an organisation (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

Example

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

Example

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.
- dissolving
- closing
2 proving a fact (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

showing that something is definitely true or exists.

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

Example

The police are still establishing the facts of the accident.

Example

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'.
- disproving
- doubting

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3 building a relationship (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

starting a relationship or a way of communicating with someone.

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

Example

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

Example

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'.
- breaking
- severing
4 the act of creation (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the actual process or act of setting something up.

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

Example

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

Example

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'.
- destruction
- abolition