26984 words

establish

11 definitions • 25 examples
1
to start a company or organization that will continue for a long time:

Examples:

The brewery was established in 1822.
These methods of working were established in the last century.
2
to start having a relationship with, or communicating with another person, company, country, or organization:

Examples:

There is a need to establish effective communication links between staff, parents, pupils, and external bodies.
He had difficulty establishing close relationships with anyone.
3
to cause something or someone to be accepted in or familiar with a place, position, etc.:

Examples:

His reputation for carelessness was established long before the latest problems arose.
establish yourself as something He's established himself as a dependable source of information.
be established in After three months we were well established in our new jobs.
4
to be in a successful position over a long period of time:

Examples:

It can't have been easy to establish yourselves in such a competitive market.
5
to discover or get proof of something:

Examples:

Before we take any action we must establish the facts/truth.
[ + question word ] Can you establish what time she left home/whether she has left home.
We have established (that) she was born in 1900.
6
to be in a successful position over a long period of time:

Examples:

It can't have been easy to establish yourselves in such a competitive market.
establish yourself as something He has established himself as the leading candidate in the election.
When you have established yourself and made some money, you will be in a position to marry.
I spent several years trying to establish myself as a painter.
He has established himself as one of the most successful sportsmen of the century.
7
to start something that will last for a long time, or to create or set something in a particular way:

Examples:

He helped to establish the University of California at Berkeley.
Once we establish the price, we can begin to market the product.
8
to cause someone or something to be accepted generally:

Examples:

She’s established herself as a leading authority on urban problems.
9
to prove something or show the state of something, esp. by collecting facts or information about it:

Examples:

The coroner has not yet established the cause of death.
[ + question word ] We’re trying to establish what happened here.
10
to start a company or organization that will continue for a long time:

Examples:

The firm was established in 1822.
The company intends to establish a presence in Korea.
11
to reach a successful position over a period of time:

Examples:

He has established himself as one of the most active business leaders in the community.

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