to create something intended to continue, such as an organization, system, or relationship
example
It takes more than a decade to establish a successful company that can make a difference.
synonyms
set upstartinitiatefound
word origin — late Middle English (recorded earlier as stablish): from Old French establiss-, lengthened stem of establir, from Latin stabilire ‘make firm’, from stabilis (adjective) ‘stable’
establish, transform, impact, acquire, migrate: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 23. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
establish · verb/əˈstæblɪʃ/
to create something intended to continue, such as an organization, system, or relationship
It takes more than a decade to establish a successful company that can make a difference.
Synonyms: set up, start, initiate, found
Origin: late Middle English (recorded earlier as stablish): from Old French establiss-, lengthened stem of establir, from Latin stabilire ‘make firm’, from stabilis (adjective) ‘stable’
transform · verb/træn(t)sˈfɔrm/
to change something greatly in form, appearance, or character
The rapidly growing population will transform the small town into a big city.
Synonyms: convert, alter, modify
Origin: Middle English (as a verb): from Old French transformer or Latin transformare(see trans-, form)
impact · verb/ˈɪmˌpæk(t)/
to have an effect on something
The trade issue had negative impacts on the national economy, leading to a decrease in economic growth and job opportunities.
Synonyms: affect, influence, have an effect, have an influence
Origin: early 17th century (as a verb in the sense ‘press closely, fix firmly’): from Latin impact- ‘driven in’, from the verb impingere (see impinge)
acquire · verb/əˈkwaɪ(ə)r/
to get or obtain often through effort
She worked hard to acquire a university degree, which opened up new career opportunities for her.
Synonyms: receive, gain, earn, win
Origin: late Middle English acquere, from Old French aquerre, based on Latin acquirere ‘get in addition’, from ad- ‘to’ + quaerere ‘seek’. The English spelling was modified (c.1600) by association with the Latin word
migrate · verb/ˈmaɪˌɡreɪt/
to move from one place to another, often to live or work
Large numbers of Irish people migrated to Boston in the 19th century.
Synonyms: move, relocate, emigrate, go abroad
Origin: early 17th century (in the general sense ‘move from one place to another’): from Latin migrat- ‘moved, shifted’, from the verb migrare