establish
gb/ɪstˈæblɪʃ/ us/ɪstˈæblɪʃ/
B1
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Start or create officially
To start something like a company, school, or system in an official way.
Usage pattern:
to establish [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'establish' with 'build' when talking about physical structures. 'Establish' refers to starting something officially, not physically constructing it.
Synonyms
found (Often used for starting organizations, especially companies or institutions.)
|
set up (More informal and general; can apply to temporary arrangements.)
Antonyms
dissolve (Refers to formally ending an organization or arrangement.)
Collocations
establish a company
|establish a system
|establish rules
|establish a government
Themes
business
|law
|government
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company was established in 1995.
- They established a new set of safety guidelines.
- The university was established over 200 years ago.
Learner examples
- She established a small shop in the town.
- We want to establish a new club at school.
- The school was established in 1980.
Verb
B2
action
2
Prove or confirm truth
To prove that something is true or correct so people believe it.
Usage pattern:
to establish [that clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'establish' with 'guess' or 'assume', which do not require proof.
Synonyms
prove (Common and direct; often used in everyday speech.)
|
demonstrate (Slightly more formal; often used in academic or professional contexts.)
Antonyms
disprove (To show that something is not true.)
Collocations
establish the facts
|establish the truth
|establish guilt
Themes
law
|science
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The police could not establish his whereabouts that night.
- Scientists have established a link between the two diseases.
- It has been established that the product is safe.
Learner examples
- The teacher established that the answer was correct.
- They established that he was at home at the time.
- We need to establish the truth before we decide.
Verb
B2
action
3
Secure position or reputation
To make people see you as having a certain position or reputation for a long time.
Usage pattern:
to establish [oneself/something] as [role/position]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes try to use 'establish' for temporary situations, but it usually implies long-term recognition.
Synonyms
secure (Emphasizes making something safe from loss or challenge.)
|
cement (Informal metaphor for making something fixed or unchangeable.)
Antonyms
undermine (To weaken someone's position or reputation.)
Collocations
establish oneself as
|establish credibility
|establish authority
Themes
career
|social
|relationships
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She quickly established herself as a leading expert in the field.
- The festival has established its place in the city’s cultural life.
- He worked hard to establish trust with his clients.
Learner examples
- He established himself as a good teacher.
- The team established a strong friendship.
- She established her place in the company.
Grammar
Dictionary form
establish
IPA
GB/ɪstˈæblɪʃ/
US/ɪstˈæblɪʃ/
Syllables & stress
es - tab - lish (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tab)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: establish
- 3rd Person Singular: establishes
- Present Participle: establishing
- Past: established
Word family
Forms
establishes
verb
establishing
verb
established
verb
Core family
establishment
noun B1
Related words
reestablish
verb
Expressions
establish a foothold
1/ɪstˈæblɪʃ ə fˈʊthˌoʊld/
fixed phrase
Gain secure position in area/market
To get and keep a strong position in a place, business, or situation.
Examples
- The company has established a foothold in the Asian market.
- They quickly established a foothold in the industry.
establish contact
1/ɪstˈæblɪʃ kˈɑntˌækt/
fixed phrase
Begin communication with someone
To start communicating with someone, especially for the first time.
Examples
- We need to establish contact with the local authorities before starting work.
- The rescue team tried to establish contact with the lost hikers.
establish the facts
1/ɪstˈæblɪʃ ðə fˈækts/
fixed phrase
Find and confirm the truth
To find out what is true by getting clear information.
Examples
- Before making accusations, we must establish the facts.
- The lawyer worked hard to establish the facts of the case.