What is establish? Pronunciation and usage in English

establish means . Learn how to pronounce and use establish through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of establish

establishverb

/ɪˈstablɪʃ//ɛˈstablɪʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of establish

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "establish" in English. It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ɪˈstæblɪʃ/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ɪˈ: This is a short, quick "i" sound, like in "bit." Think of it as a very clipped "i."
  • stæb: This is the core of the word.
    • st: Like the "st" in "stop."
    • æ: This is a short, open "a" sound, similar to the "a" in "cat" or "trap." It's a crucial sound and often where people stumble.
    • bl: Like "bl" in "blue."
  • ɪʃ: This is a long "i" sound, like in "machine." It's a more drawn-out "i" than the first syllable.

2. How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with the short "i": Say "ih" – like in "bit."
  2. Add the "st": "ist" – like "stop."
  3. Say the "æ" sound: "ist-ah" – Focus on making this sound similar to "cat" or "trap." This is important!
  4. Add the "bl": "ist-ah-bl"
  5. Finish with the long "i" and "sh": "ist-ah-bl-ish" – Make the final "ish" sound more drawn out than the others.

3. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • The "a" sound is key: Seriously, don't rush this sound. It's the difference between "establish" and a lot of other similar-sounding words.
  • Don't say "est-a-blish": This is a very common mistake. The "a" sound comes before the "bl."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce establish" into Google. You'll find audio clips.
    • Forvo: (forvo.com) - A website where native speakers record pronunciations of words. https://forvo.com/word/establish/
    • Merriam-Webster Dictionary: (merriam-webster.com) – They have audio pronunciations on their online dictionary.

4. Visualization:

Imagine you're saying "bit" and then quickly adding "stop," then "ah" like in "cat," then "blue," and finally "ish" (like in "wish").

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of similar-sounding words to practice with?
  • Record myself saying it?

Usage and examples with the word establish in English

Let's break down how to use the word "establish" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Create or Set Up (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To bring something into existence; to create or set up a new organization, system, or relationship.
  • Examples:
    • "The company is working to establish a new branch in London." (To create a new branch)
    • "The government is trying to establish a stronger economy." (To create a stronger economy)
    • "We need to establish clear rules for the meeting." (To set up rules)
    • "The scientist established a link between smoking and lung cancer." (To discover and confirm a connection)

2. To Become Firm or Well-Known

  • Meaning: To become firmly or solidly in place; to become well-known or recognized. Often implies something that has been previously uncertain or weak.
  • Examples:
    • "After years of struggle, the community was finally able to establish a stable democracy." (To become firmly established)
    • "The band established itself as a major force in the music industry." (To become well-known)
    • "She established a reputation for honesty and integrity." (To become known for a positive quality)

3. To Determine or Fix (A Point or Value)

  • Meaning: To determine or fix a position or value.
  • Examples:
    • "The surveyor established the boundary line between the properties." (To determine a boundary)
    • “The doctor established that the patient had a heart condition.” (To determine a diagnosis)

4. (Formal) To Introduce or Formulate

  • Meaning: (More formal) To introduce or formulate, often in a legal or official context.
  • Examples:
    • “The treaty established a framework for international cooperation.” (To formally create a framework)

Key Things to Note:

  • Verb: “Establish” is primarily a verb.
  • Often Followed By: It frequently comes after phrases like "to" (as in “to establish a business”) or “a” (as in “to establish a rule”).
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could use words like: create, set up, build, launch, formulate, determine, fix, solidify.

Here's a table summarizing the different ways to use "establish":

Meaning Example
Create/Set Up Establish a new policy
Become Firm/Well-Known Establish a brand reputation
Determine/Fix Establish a price point
(Formal) Introduce/Formulate Establish a legal agreement

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a business proposal, a story, an email?)
  • Can you provide the sentence where you're considering using "establish"?

Synonyms for the word establish

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