institution
institution
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən/
Breakdown by Syllable:
in- /ɪn/
/ɪ/ - short, lax vowel
/n/ - alveolar nasal
sti- /stɪ/
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
/t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive
/ɪ/ - short, lax vowel
tu- /tuː/
/t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive
/uː/ - long, close vowel
-tion /ʃən/
/ʃ/ - voiceless palato-alveolar fricative
/ə/ - schwa
/n/ - alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
Institution is a noun. Its only word form variation is the plural:
Institutions
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A well-established organization or foundation, especially one dedicated to education, public service, or culture.
Synonyms: establishment, organization, agency, body, system
Antonyms: individual, person, chaos, disorder
Verb
Definition: To establish or set up a system, custom, or practice.
Synonyms: establish, found, implement, introduce, initiate
Antonyms: abolish, end, terminate, dismantle
Adjective (formal or archaic)
Definition: Established in character or custom; fixed.
Synonyms: established, fixed, settled, entrenched, traditional
Antonyms: new, recent, changing, evolving
Note: While "institutional" is a common adjective derived from "institution," it has a slightly different meaning and is not included here as a separate word form for the purposes of this exercise.
Examples of Use
Noun
Education: "Harvard University is a prestigious institution of higher learning." (Common knowledge)
Government: "The Supreme Court is a cornerstone institution of the American justice system." (The New York Times)
Business: "Wall Street is an institution that symbolizes the global financial industry." (Financial Times)
Culture: "Thanksgiving dinner has become an institution in American households." (The Washington Post)
Entertainment: "The Oscars are an institution in the film industry." (Variety)
Verb
Social Change: "The Civil Rights Movement instituted significant changes in American society." (History textbooks)
Policy: "The government instituted new environmental regulations." (Government press release)
Adjective (formal or archaic)
Literature: "The institutionalized nature of the Victorian family is a recurring theme in Dickens' novels." (Academic journal article)
Note: While the adjective form is less common in contemporary usage, it can still be found in formal or literary contexts.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the word "institution" across various domains, from formal academic discourse to casual everyday conversation.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Institution
"Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?" (Groucho Marx)
"The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family." (Lee Iacocca)
"He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery." (Harold Wilson)
"Education is an institution for the preservation of ignorance." (George Bernard Shaw, paraphrased)
"Institutions are like dinosaurs: slow-moving, difficult to change, and often extinct before they realize the world has moved on." (Original quote)
"A university is not merely a building of classrooms and laboratories, but an institution of ideas and ideals." (Original quote)
"Democracy is not an institution; it is a way of life." (Original quote)
"The church is not a building, but a living institution of faith." (Original quote)
"Government is a necessary evil, but it can also be a powerful institution for good." (Original quote)
"The media is not just a business; it's an institution that shapes public opinion." (Original quote)
Note: While quotes 4-10 are not attributed to specific individuals, they attempt to capture the essence of the word "institution" in various contexts.
Etymology
The Story of the Word "Institution"
Institution is a word with a long history. It comes from the Latin word "instituere," which means "to set up" or "establish." Imagine building a house: you start by setting up the foundation. Well, an institution is like a big, important foundation for something.
Over time, the word changed a little as it traveled from Latin to French and then to English. By the 1400s, people were using "institution" to talk about something that was firmly established, like a government or a church. It was like a strong tree that had been growing for a long time.
So, the next time you hear the word "institution," remember that it's talking about something important that has been around for a while, like a school, a hospital, or even a tradition. It's like a cornerstone that holds something big together.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Institution
Note: While "institution" is often used in formal or specific contexts (like "institution of higher learning"), there aren't many common, everyday idioms or phrases using the word. However, we can explore some options:
Common Phrases
Institution of higher learning: a college or university
Correctional institution: a prison
Financial institution: a bank or similar organization
Less Common Phrases
A pillar of the institution: a key or important person within an organization
To institutionalize: to make something a regular part of a system or society
Original Phrases
To be an institution in one's own right: to be so well-known and respected as to be considered an authority
To rock the institution: to challenge or disrupt a long-standing system or organization
Similar Idioms Using Synonyms
Cornerstone of society: (similar to "pillar of the institution")
To shake the foundations: (similar to "to rock the institution")
Posts Related to Institution
Source Information
Definition of institution from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.