institute

/ˈɪnstɪtut/

/ˈɪnstɪtut/

Other forms: instituted; institutes; instituting

An institute is an organization or association designed to study or promote something. If you're interested in politics, you might want to do an internship at one of Washington D.C.'s many political research institutes.

While you may have heard of an institute, whether it’s the National Institute for Art Advancement or the National Cancer Institute, you may not know institute in its verb form. To institute something means to establish or advance it. You might institute the hiring of Spanish-speakers at your company, or, if workers complain about being overworked, you might institute a new policy on taking breaks.

Definitions of institute

1. verb

   set up or lay the groundwork for
   synonyms: constitute, establish, found, plant

   types:

   fix

   set or place definitely

   appoint, constitute, name, nominate

   create and charge with a task or function

   pack

   set up a committee or legislative body with one's own supporters so as to influence the outcome

   co-opt

   appoint summarily or commandeer

   type of:

   initiate, pioneer

   take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
2. verb

   advance or set forth in court
   synonyms: bring

   type of:

   create, make

   make or cause to be or to become
3. noun

   an association organized to promote art or science or education
   type of:

   association

   a formal organization of people or groups of people