institute
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an organization created for a specific purpose, such as research, education, or science.
n.an organization founded to promote a specific cause, often related to scientific research, professional standards, or education.
Simple“The research institute is looking for a cure for the disease.”
In context“The institute published a comprehensive report on climate change, drawing on data collected by atmospheric scientists over the last three decades.”
UsageOften used in the proper names of organizations.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a school or college that teaches technical or professional skills.
n.an educational establishment, specifically one specializing in technical subjects or vocational training.
Simple“He studied engineering at a famous technical institute in the city.”
In context“After graduating from the vocational institute, she secured a position as a lead technician at a local aerospace firm.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to officially start a new rule, system, or law.
v.to initiate or establish a system, rule, or formal process. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“The company decided to institute a new policy regarding remote work.”
In context“The government moved to institute legal proceedings against the corporation following the discovery of widespread financial irregularities.”
UsageCommonly collocates with 'proceedings', 'reforms', or 'policies'.
“Organised crime has always existed on the High Street, says Elijah Glantz, a research fellow into organised crime at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), a security think tank.”
“Seth Shostak, an astronomer at the California-based Seti Institute, writes that Seti’s “failure is tempered by the fact that the number of star systems sampled is still quite small”.”
From French institut, from Middle French, from Latin īnstitūtum.
From Middle English, from Latin īnstitūtus, past participle of īnstituō (“to set up, place upon, purpose, begin, institute”), from in (“in, on”) + statuō (“set up, establish”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.