etabler

Etabler is not the standard spelling in French. The verb is établir. When etabler appears, it is typically a misspelling or a nonstandard rendering of either établir (to establish) or établissement (an establishment). In formal writing, the accent and the correct root should be used to avoid ambiguity.

Etymology and related forms: établir comes from Latin stabilire, meaning to make firm. The noun établissement derives from the same root and refers to an institution, organization, or place that has been established. The past participle of établir is établi, with the feminine form établie, and the present participle establishing is établissant.

Conjugation and usage: établir is a regular -ir verb with the characteristic irregularities in the present tense. Present tense forms include j'établis, tu établis, il établit, nous établissons, vous établissez, ils établissent. The verb forms continue with typical -ir conjugation patterns in the other tenses: j’établissais (imperfect), j’établirai (future), etc. The passé composé uses the auxiliary avoir: j’ai établi. The reflexive form s’établir means to settle or establish oneself: je m’établis, tu t’établis, il s’établit, nous nous établissons, vous vous établissez, ils s’établissent.

Usage notes: établir is used for creating rules, plans, agreements, institutions, or conditions (établir une règle, établir un partenariat); it can also mean to establish a fact or to demonstrate something (établir une preuve). S’établir is common when talking about settling in a place or beginning a new life.

See also: établir, établissement, établi, s’établir.