establish

Everyday

1. To establish something is to start or set it up so that it lasts, such as a school, a business or a rule. tree →
2. To establish a fact is to find it out or prove it for sure. tree →
3. To establish yourself is to become accepted or well known in a place or job. tree →
4. (formal) To establish a relationship or contact is to make it. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, the Romans established towns; in science, experiments establish facts; in everyday life a shop sign may say «established» with the year it opened. In the Church of England, «the established church» means the official state church. Phrases: «establish a rule», «establish the facts», «well established», «established church».

Examples

• The school was established a long time ago. tree →
• The police tried to establish what happened. tree →
• Our experiment established that plants need light. tree →
• She soon established herself as the best goalkeeper in the team. tree →
• The settlers established a small village by the river. tree →
• The club established a new rule about phones. tree →
• The Church of England is the established church in England. tree →
• He accordingly descended to earth, and travelled through many countries, seeking a fitting site upon which to establish an oracle. tree →

Note

Regular verb, past «established». Noun: establishment (also «the Establishment», the powerful people in a country). Formal; plain words: set up, start, find out, prove.

In Jewish tradition

God establishes His covenant, meaning He makes it firm and lasting with a person and his children after him. In the Writings it also means to set something up firmly, such as a throne, a city or a kingdom's rule.

Interpretation. Tradition sees the covenants with Noah, Abraham and Isaac as promises God keeps for ever, which Israel's later generations inherit. God's promise to establish David's son's throne for ever is read as the promise of the royal line of David.

Examples

• 'As for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you, and with your seed after you; (Torah GEN.9.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• And I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you; and will establish My covenant with you. (Torah LEV.26.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.' (Torah GEN.17.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Canst thou establish the dominion thereof in the earth? (Writings JOB.38.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne for ever. (Writings 1CH.17.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• And there He maketh the hungry to dwell, and they establish a city of habitation; (Writings PSA.107.36, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb, past «established». Noun: establishment (also «the Establishment», the powerful people in a country). Formal; plain words: set up, start, find out, prove.