établissions

Établissements is a French noun derived from the verb établir, meaning to establish. The term refers to a place or organization that has been established to conduct activities, provide services, or host residents. In French, it can denote a business establishment as well as institutions and facilities.

In French, the word covers a broad range of senses: commercial establishments (un établissement commercial, such as a restaurant or hotel); public or private institutions (établissements scolaires, établissements hospitaliers); administrative or governmental bodies (Établissements publics); and other facilities such as prisons (établissement pénitentiaire) or military complexes. The plural form is établissements.

In English, the cognate establishment similarly refers to a place of business or organization, and more broadly to any institution or the social or political establishment, i.e., those in power. The term is used in compound forms, such as educational establishment or financial establishment, and can describe both tangible places and broader institutions.

Common misspellings or confusions include the nonstandard form étab lissions. In standard French, the correct plural is établissements. The form étab lissions would be a misassembly of letters and does not reflect standard conjugation or pluralization. The related verb form nous établissons corresponds to “we establish,” illustrating why étab lissions is incorrect.

See also: establishment (as a general concept in English) and Établissement public (a public institution in French usage).