constituent

[kuhn-stich-oo-uhnt]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Other Word Forms

• constituently adverb
• nonconstituent adjective
• preconstituent noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of constituent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of constituent¹

C17: from Latin constituēns setting up, from constituere to establish, _constitute

Synonym Study

See element.

Example Sentences

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who represents California’s 37th District, said cuts will hit her constituents hard, noting that there are 400,000 people who rely on Medicaid.

From Los Angeles Times

I think it's worth it to hold out, this is sending a powerful message to their constituents.

From BBC

“They seem to take the path that whatever skewed voting got them into office means they can ignore their constituents.”

From Salon

West Scotland MSP Greer said one of his constituents was among the four who had been "kidnapped by the Israeli military".

From BBC

Going into next year’s midterms, they may have to face more angry constituents who are losing their health care amid a shrinking job market.

From Salon