constitution

[ kon-sti-too-shuhn, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. the system of fundamental principles according to which a nation, state, corporation, or the like, is governed.
2. the document embodying these principles.
3. (initial capital letter) Constitution of the United States.
4. the way in which a thing is composed or made up; makeup; composition:

   the chemical constitution of the cleanser.

5. the physical character of the body as to strength, health, etc.:

   He has a strong constitution.

6. Medicine/Medical, Psychology. the aggregate of a person's physical and psychological characteristics.
7. the act or process of constituting; establishment.
8. the state of being constituted; formation.
9. any established arrangement or custom.
10. Archaic. character or condition of mind; disposition; temperament.

constitution

/ ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of constituting or state of being constituted
2. the way in which a thing is composed; physical make-up; structure
3. the fundamental political principles on which a state is governed, esp when considered as embodying the rights of the subjects of that state
4. often capital (in certain countries, esp Australia and the US) a statute embodying such principles
5. a person's state of health
6. a person's disposition of mind; temperament

constitution

¹

1. A nation or state's fundamental set of laws. Most nations with constitutions have them in written form, such as the United States Constitution . The constitution of Britain , by contrast, is an informal set of traditions, based on several different laws.

Constitution

²

1. The fundamental law of the United States, drafted in Philadelphia in 1787 ( see Constitutional Convention ), ratified in 1788, and put into effect in 1789. It established a strong central government in place of the Articles of Confederation . ( See Preamble to the Constitution .)

Other Words From

• anti·consti·tution adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English constitucion “edict, ordinance,” from Anglo-French, from Latin constitūtiōn-, stem of constitūtiō “an appointing, establishing”; constitute, -ion

Example Sentences

In 2022, voters solidified abortion access in the state constitution after the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Namibian media, Nandi-Ndaitwah criticised her male colleagues for trying to ridicule the draft law, sternly reminding them that the Swapo constitution condemns sexism.

From BBC

"France is a rich, solid country, which has made a lot of reforms and is sticking to them, which has stable institutions, a stable constitution."

From BBC

They argued that his order violated the constitution, which says that the president can only declare martial law during wartime or a crisis of equivalent gravity.

From Los Angeles Times

Under South Korea's constitution, the president has the authority to declare martial law during war, armed conflict, or other national emergencies.

From BBC

Related Words

• charter
• code
• custom
• legislation