Established

ɪˈstæblɪʃt

verbmedium🔥Very CommonAction
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase4 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To create or set up something that is intended to last for a long time; to found or institute.

ɪˈstæblɪʃ

verbneutralmedium
Action

To set up or found something, typically a business, organization, or system.

They established a new research center at the university.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a new store, school or a group. To 'establish' is like getting it started and making sure it's there to stay. For example, when you build a new place to live, you are establishing your home.

👶 For kids: To start something like a club or a new game!

More Examples

2

The rules for the competition were clearly established.

3

The treaty established peace between the two nations.

How It's Used

Business

"The company was established in 1990."

Politics

"The new government aimed to establish a more equitable society."

2

To prove the truth or certainty of (something) by gathering and presenting evidence.

ɪˈstæblɪʃ

verbneutralmedium
Action

To prove or demonstrate the truth of something.

The detective established the suspect's alibi.

💡 Simply: To establish something is like showing everyone that something is true or real, by giving them proof. Like when you can provide evidence.

👶 For kids: To show that something is true.

More Examples

2

The research team established the cause of the disease.

3

The evidence established his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

How It's Used

Law

"The lawyer established the defendant's innocence."

Science

"Scientists established a link between the two variables."

Tip:Think of presenting irrefutable evidence in a court of law; you are establishing the facts.
3

Having been in existence for a long time and therefore recognized and generally accepted.

ɪˈstæblɪʃt

adjectiveneutralmedium
Description

Accepted or respected and having existed for a long time.

The established system of government remained in place for centuries.

💡 Simply: If something is 'established', it means it has been around for a long time and is well-known and respected. Think of well-known and respected schools.

👶 For kids: Something that has been around for a long time and everyone knows.

More Examples

2

The established order of society was challenged by the new ideas.

3

They live in an established neighborhood with many old houses.

How It's Used

General

"The established church has a long history in the country."

Society

"She comes from an established family with strong roots in the community."

Tip:Think of something that has deep roots and is well-known; it's an established institution or concept.

Idioms & expressions

established order

The existing social, political, or economic system.

"The rebels sought to overthrow the established order."

From Old French *establiss-* (stem of *establir*), from Latin *stabilire* ('to make firm, establish'), from *stabilis* ('stable').

The word 'establish' has been used since the 14th century and originally meant to 'make firm or stable'. Over time, it developed meanings relating to founding and proving.

Memory tip

Imagine planting a strong, sturdy tree. You're establishing it, giving it a firm foundation.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to make firm, to stabilize"

establish a businessestablish a connectionestablish a reputationestablish a relationshipestablish contactestablished churchestablished factestablished order

Common misspellings

estabilishedestablised

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written