Reading Theme:
Institution: Definition, Usage & Key Distinctions (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：prominent established organization (institution)
institution
/ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃn/
n.
A large, important organization that has existed for a long time, such as a university, bank, or hospital.
prominent established organization
➕
/ˈprɒmɪnənt ɪˈstæblɪʃt ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
n.
Refers to a large and important organization that has existed for a long time, often providing essential services.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'institutio', meaning 'establishment' or 'arrangement'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'in-station': a fixed station or established entity.
📖 Example
My grandfather has worked at the same financial institution for over forty years.
My grandfather has been employed at the same major financial organization for more than four decades.
🔗 Collocations
financial institution – an organization like a bank that deals with monetary transactions
educational institution – a place such as a school or university for teaching and learning
public institution – an organization funded and operated by the government for public benefit
🔄 Synonyms
organization (n.) – a structured group with a specific purpose
establishment (n.) – a business or organization that has been set up
corporation (n.) – a large company or group of companies authorized to act as a single entity
🚫 Antonyms
individual (n.) – a single person as opposed to a group or organization
temporary group (n.) – a short-term or informal collection of people
🌱 Derivatives
institutional (adj.) – relating to or characteristic of an institution
institutionalize (v.) – to establish as a norm or custom in an institution
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'instituere' (to set up). In modern English, it commonly refers to foundational societal structures like banks, universities, or enduring customs such as marriage.
Meaning 2：well-established social custom (institution)
institution
/ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃn/
n.
A well-established and familiar custom, practice, or law in a society that people generally accept and follow.
well-established social custom
➕
/wel ɪˈstæblɪʃt ˈsəʊʃl ˈkʌstəm/
n.
Refers to a long-standing and widely accepted practice, law, or tradition in a society.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In many cultures, marriage is considered a fundamental social institution.
In numerous societies, marriage is regarded as a basic and enduring social practice.
🔗 Collocations
social institution – a custom or practice deeply ingrained in society, like family or religion
legal institution – an established law or system within the judicial framework
cultural institution – a tradition or norm that is central to a culture's identity
🔄 Synonyms
tradition (n.) – a belief or behavior passed down within a group with symbolic meaning
custom (n.) – a habitual practice or way of behaving specific to a society
convention (n.) – a widely accepted way of doing something in a particular context
🚫 Antonyms
novelty (n.) – something new or unusual that has not been established
improvisation (n.) – the act of creating or doing something spontaneously without prior planning
🌱 Derivatives
institutional (adj.) – pertaining to or characteristic of established customs or practices
institutionalization (n.) – the process of establishing something as a norm or institution
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