establishment
gb/ɪstˈæblɪʃmənt/ us/ɪstˈæblɪʃmənt/
B1
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A business or organization
A business or place where people work or provide services.
Usage pattern:
[someone] runs/owns/works at [an establishment]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'establishment' with 'building'. A building is the physical structure; an establishment is the business or organization within it.
Synonyms
business (General term for a commercial enterprise; 'establishment' can also refer to non-commercial organizations.)
|
institution (More formal and often refers to large or long-standing organizations.)
Antonyms
closure (Refers to the act of shutting down a business or organization.)
Collocations
run an establishment
|well-known establishment
|local establishment
|own an establishment
Themes
business
|society
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They opened a new Italian restaurant, a charming little establishment downtown.
- The hotel is a family-run establishment with a long history.
- Several local establishments have closed due to rising rents.
Learner examples
- I work in a small coffee establishment.
- This establishment sells fresh bread.
- They own a large hotel establishment.
Noun
B2
action
2
The act of starting something
The start or creation of something like a company, law, or system.
Usage pattern:
the establishment of [something]
Synonyms
creation (General term for bringing something into existence; 'establishment' often implies formal or official creation.)
|
founding (Commonly used for institutions and organizations; more historical tone.)
Antonyms
abolition (Refers to the complete ending or removal of something established.)
Collocations
the establishment of a company
|the establishment of rules
|official establishment
Themes
society
|law
|history
|business
|work
|politics
Examples
- The establishment of the new school was celebrated by the community.
- He played a key role in the establishment of the charity.
- The treaty led to the establishment of new trade agreements.
Learner examples
- The establishment of the park took five years.
- She worked for the establishment of new laws.
- The company celebrated the establishment of its first office.
Noun
B2
entity
3
The dominant power group
The people who have power and control in politics, business, etc.
Usage pattern:
the [political/military/etc.] establishment
Synonyms
elite (Refers to people with power and privilege; 'establishment' suggests institutional control.)
|
ruling class (Implies social and economic dominance; more sociological tone.)
Antonyms
outsiders (People who are not part of the dominant group or power structure.)
Collocations
challenge the establishment
|political establishment
|military establishment
Themes
politics
|society
|business
|relationships
Examples
- He is known for challenging the political establishment.
- The cultural establishment resisted the new art movement.
- Many young voters feel disconnected from the establishment.
Learner examples
- She wants to fight the political establishment.
- The military establishment has much power.
- They do not trust the current establishment.
Grammar
Dictionary form
establishment
IPA
GB/ɪstˈæblɪʃmənt/
US/ɪstˈæblɪʃmənt/
Syllables & stress
es - tab - lish - ment (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tab)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: establishment
- Plural: establishment, establishments
Word family
Forms
establishments
noun
Core family
establish
verb B1
established
adjective
Related words
reestablish
verb
Negative and opposite forms
unestablished
adjective
Expressions
challenge the establishment
1/t͡ʃˈælɪnd͡ʒ ðə ɪstˈæblɪʃmənt/
fixed phrase
To oppose those in power
To try to change or fight against the people who have control in society.
Examples
- Her campaign promises to challenge the establishment.
- Artists often challenge the establishment through their work.
establishment clause
1/ɪstˈæblɪʃmənt klˈɔz/
fixed phrase
technical
Law against state religion
A part of U.S. law that says the government cannot create an official religion.
Examples
- The case was decided based on the Establishment Clause.
- The Establishment Clause is part of the First Amendment.
the Establishment
1/ðə ɪstˈæblɪʃmənt/
fixed phrase
The ruling power group
The people who have power and control in society, especially in politics and business.
Examples
- Many activists are working to challenge the Establishment.
- The Establishment resisted changes to the law.