French word

institution

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃stitysjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounorganization

Example

Cette institution aide les familles.

This organization helps families.

Illustration for institution (organization)

More examples

Une institution publique offre des services de santé.

A public institution offers health services.

Core concept

An organized social body held together by explicit rules and a defined purpose.

Common phrases

  • institution publique

    public institution

  • institution financière

    financial institution

  • institution éducative

    educational institution

Similar words

organisation: A group that brings people and resources together for a shared purpose.
entreprise: A profit-making organization that provides goods or services.
établissement: A building or facility where people work and goods or services are provided.
association: A group formed around a shared purpose or common interest.

Definition in French

Entité organisée, dotée d'une structure et de règles formelles, chargée d'une mission reconnue au sein de la société.

Word origin

The noun traces back to Latin institutio, derived from instituere, and developed into French through the Old French form institution.

Usage tips

  • The final -tion in institution sounds like French /sjɔ̃/, not the common English /ʃən/.

Other meanings

  • institutionnoun

Opposites

  • anarchieanarchynoun
  • désorganisationdisorganizationnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word