establish

word

/ɪˈstæbɫɪʃ/
i-STAB-lish
/ɪstˈæblɪʃ/
i-STAB-lish

Definition

To start or create something such as a company, system, or relationship so that it begins to exist and continue. It can also mean to prove that something is true or accepted.

Usage & Nuances

Common in formal, academic, and professional English. Frequent patterns: 'establish a company', 'establish rules', 'establish contact', 'establish trust', and 'establish that...'. It is more formal than 'start' or 'set up', and in research or law it often means 'prove clearly'.

Example Sentences

The school established new rules last year.

basic

It took a while, but we finally established contact with the local team.

natural

Before we talk numbers, let's establish what each side expects.

natural

They want to establish a small business in town.

basic

We need to establish trust with our customers.

basic

The report establishes that the problem started much earlier than we thought.

natural