constituent

American  

[kuhn-stich-oo-uhnt] / kənˈstɪtʃ u ənt /

adjective

1. serving to compose or make up a thing; component.

   the constituent parts of a motor.

2. having power to frame or alter a political constitution or fundamental law, as distinguished from lawmaking power.

   a constituent assembly.

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noun

1. an element, material, etc. that is part of something else; component.

2. a person who authorizes another to act on their behalf, such as a voter in a district represented by an elected official.

3. Grammar. an element considered as part of a construction.

constituent British  

/ kənˈstɪtjʊənt /

adjective

1. forming part of a whole; component

2. having the power to frame a constitution or to constitute a government (esp in the phrases constituent assembly, constituent power )

3. rare electing or having the power to elect

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noun

1. a component part; ingredient

2. a resident of a constituency, esp one entitled to vote

3. law a person who appoints another to act for him, as by power of attorney

4. linguistics a word, phrase, or clause forming a part of a larger construction Compare immediate constituent ultimate constituent

Related Words

See element.

Other Word Forms

• constituently adverb
• nonconstituent adjective
• preconstituent noun

Etymology

Origin of constituent

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin constituent- (stem of constituēns, present participle of constituere “to set up, found, constitute),” equivalent to con- con- + -stitu- (combining form of statuere “to set up”) + -ent- -ent

Example Sentences

But, he added, staff of both lawmakers have gone to bat for constituents seeking assistance with the insurance department.

From Los Angeles Times

"It is important this work, as well as representing the views and concerns of their constituents, is recognised and valued," said Lowry.

From BBC

Some described social isolation among constituents who had become too scared to drive in the dark.

From BBC

Jeneroux, who represents in constituents in Edmonton, Alberta, said in November that he would be stepping down as a legislator, amid local-media reports that he was considering quitting the Conservatives and joining the Liberals.

From The Wall Street Journal

About 34% of S&P 500 constituents gained or lost at least 20% in the past three months as of Tuesday, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

From Barron's