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Definition of constitute

constitute

/ˈkɑːn.stə.tuːt/
con · sti · tute

Adverb:constitutively
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Adjective:constitutive
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Past Simple:constituted
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Past Participle:constituted
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Present Participle:constituting
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constitute Lexical Profile

constitute Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To be the parts or elements that together form or make up a whole.

Example

"Women constitute nearly sixty percent of the university's graduating class this year."


2

To be equivalent to or amount to something.

Example

"This unauthorized disclosure of private records constitutes a serious breach of contract."


3

To formally establish, enact, or give legal form to an institution, committee, or law.

Example

"The advisory board was formally constituted by an act of parliament to oversee environmental regulations."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for constitute
Antonyms
View all antonyms for constitute

Word Nuance & Usage

When describing parts forming a whole, the parts are the subject of 'constitute' (e.g., "Twelve months constitute a year"), whereas the whole is the subject of 'comprise' or 'consist of' (e.g., "A year comprises twelve months").

• Rhymes for constitute

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Latin constitutus, the past participle of constituere ("to set up, establish, or appoint"), formed from com- ("together") and statuere ("to set or place").

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Constitute. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/constitute
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