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In this sentence: "CARE was ...... in 1945 to help people after World War II."

A. founded B. built C. established D. constructed

The answer is C. But why don't we use "founded" in this case, I think they have the same meaning. Can you help me to give a reason for that?

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  • I agree that the meaning does seem the same, in this context.
    – Max Williams
    Commented Jun 1, 2016 at 11:17
  • Wikipedia uses "Founded in 1945". Both have same meaning and purpose here
    – NVZ ♦
    Commented Jun 1, 2016 at 11:21
  • Ngram indicates was established to is more prevalent than was founded to. It might be argued that founded inclines slightly more towards the (corporate) structure and established slightly more towards the principles, but it's a fine line.
    – Lawrence
    Commented Jun 1, 2016 at 11:34
  • 1. They do not have the exact same meaning. 2. Note the purpose clause at the end of the sentence. We do not use founded with a focus on purpose. "CARE was founded in 1945 (by .../ )"; "CARE was established in 1945 (for .../ to .../ with the aim of .../ )". HTH.
    – Kris
    Commented Jun 1, 2016 at 11:44
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    They are essentially equivalent. One or the other may be used based on the impression one wants to give -- founded suggests an organization that originated with an individual (identified) person, while established suggests a more anonymous origin, where the founders are not considered significant to the organization's purposes or history. But this is not writ in stone.
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Jun 1, 2016 at 12:16

2 Answers 2

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In this particular context, founded and established mean exactly the same thing.

Found — MWLD

verb 1. to begin or create (something that is meant to last for a long time) : establish
"The college was founded in 1793"

Establish — MWLD

verb 2.a. to begin or create (something that is meant to last for a long time)
"The city was established [=founded] in the 18th century."

Wikipedia page for CARE uses founded:

"..Founded in 1945, CARE is nonsectarian, impartial, and non-governmental.."

Here's an Ngram: "was established in" vs "was founded in"

Ngram

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They are more or less the same. Interestingly, several definitions I found (such as this one: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/founded) used 'establish' in giving the definition of founded, despite listing it as a synonym. Seems rather foolish, I agree, and you'd be right to contest your test answer! :)

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  • In the Oxford dictionary, I can find that the synonym of found is establish ^.^
    – Solar
    Commented Jun 1, 2016 at 23:29

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