Definition

1. Noun:

   • An organization created for a specific purpose: An "institute" is typically a society or organization set up to promote a particular educational, scientific, artistic, or professional field.
   • A specialized educational or research organization: It can refer to a permanent establishment, often part of a university or operating independently, dedicated to advanced study, research, or teaching in a specific area.

2. Verb:

   • To establish, found, or set in operation: To "institute" something means to initiate, introduce, or bring it into existence, especially a system, rule, or organization.
   • To start or initiate formally: This meaning often applies to formal processes, such as legal actions or official inquiries.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • She works at a research institute dedicated to climate science.
  • The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is world-renowned.

• Verb:

  • The government will institute new safety regulations next month.
  • The police have instituted an investigation into the matter.

Advanced Usage

• "To institute proceedings": To formally begin a legal case or action.

  • The company decided to institute proceedings against the former employee for breach of contract.

• "To institute a policy": To formally establish and put a new rule or principle into practice.

  • The school board voted to institute a strict anti-bullying policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Institution (n): A large, important organization (like a bank, university, or hospital) or an established law, practice, or custom.

  • Marriage is a social institution.

• Institutional (adj): Relating to or characteristic of an institution.

  • The building had a cold, institutional feel.

Synonyms

• Noun: Society, organization, foundation, academy, association.
• Verb: Establish, found, launch, initiate, introduce, enact.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Institute" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The verb is typically used transitively.)

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms that center specifically on the word "institute.")

Noun

1. an association organized to promote art or science or education

Verb

1. advance or set forth in court
   • bring charges, institute proceedings
2. set up or lay the groundwork for
   • establish a new department