What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
founded
Example
The university was founded in 1876. [founded: verb]
Example
The city was founded by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. [founded: verb]
Example
The new company was founded by a group of entrepreneurs. [founded: verb]
establish
Example
The government established a new agency to oversee environmental regulations. [established: verb]
Example
The study aims to establish a link between diet and heart disease. [establish: verb]
Example
The company has established itself as a leader in the tech industry. [established: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Establish is more commonly used than founded in everyday language. Establish is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while founded is less common and refers specifically to the beginning of something.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between founded and establish?
Both founded and establish can be used in formal or professional contexts. However, founded can have a more historical or traditional connotation, while establish can have a more modern or contemporary connotation.