institute

Everyday

1. An institute is an organisation set up for a special purpose, such as research, teaching or science, and also the building it uses. tree →
2. (formal) To institute something is to start or set it up, like a rule or system. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life you see names like «the Women's Institute» (UK), «the Smithsonian Institution» or a «research institute». In history and civics, kings and governments «institute» new laws or taxes. Phrases: «research institute», «institute of technology», «institute a rule».

Examples

• She works at a science institute that studies the ocean. tree →
• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a famous university. tree →
• Gran goes to the Women's Institute every Thursday. tree →
• The school instituted a new rule about phones. tree →
• The king instituted a tax on salt. tree →
• The institute opened a new museum for children. tree →
• Games, called Delia, instituted by Theseus, were celebrated at Delos every four years. tree →

Note

Countable noun. The verb is formal; in speech people say «start» or «set up». Related: «institution» (a big organisation, or a custom), «instituted» (past form). Do not confuse with «substitute».