institution
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a large and important organization, such as a university, bank, or hospital.
a long-established organization or corporation, typically one with a public, educational, or charitable purpose.
Simple“The city's oldest financial institution has survived several economic crises.”
In context“Academic institutions must balance their traditional research goals with the modern demands of a globalised job market.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a custom or tradition that has been part of a society for a long time.
an established law, practice, or custom that is central to a society or culture.
Simple“In many cultures, the institution of marriage is celebrated with a large party.”
In context“Sociologists often study the institution of the family to understand how social values are passed down through generations.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a building where people are cared for or kept, such as a hospital or prison.
a facility where people are confined or provided with long-term care, often implying a loss of personal autonomy.
Simple“He spent several months in a medical institution recovering from his injuries.”
In context“The government has moved away from large-scale mental health institutions in favour of community-based support systems.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
someone who has been in a place or job for so long that everyone knows them.
a person who is a prominent and long-standing fixture within a particular community or profession.
Simple“The old librarian is a local institution who knows every family in town.”
In context“Having worked at the same news desk for forty years, the anchor had become a national institution.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
the act of starting a new law, system, or rule.
the formal act of instituting or establishing something, such as a policy or legal proceeding.
Simple“The institution of new safety rules helped reduce accidents at the factory.”
In context“The sudden institution of strict border controls caused significant delays for international trade.”
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage cultural institution · social institution · various institution
“Shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly said he was angered by the "tragic" death and said "a number of people at a number of academic institutions have serious questions to answer".”
“Opening an external front risks draining key state resources needed to continue developing state institutions and services.”
From Middle English institucioun, from Old French institution, from Latin institūtiō, from instituō (“to set up”), from in- (“in, on”) + statuō (“to set up, establish”). Equivalent to institute + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.