这四个词(短)语都可表示“建立、建设”,其中
build最普通用词,主要指“修建、建筑”,常带house, road, bridge, socialism, hope等;如:
The house is built of wood.这房子是用木头建造的。
establish主要指建立机构、组织或联系,有稳固建成的意思;如:
Our hospital was established in 1950. 我们的医院建于一九五○年。
She established her fame as an actress. 她已成为大名鼎鼎的演员。
found主要用于创立机构、组织或理论;如:
They founded a college.他们创办了一所大学。
His theory is founded on facts.他的理论建立在事实的基础上。
set up是口语用词,同establish;着重表示开始,草创。如:
A new government was set up after the war.新政府于战后成立。