constitutional

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl, -tyoo-]

adjective

1. of or relating to the constitution of a state, organization, etc.

2. subject to the provisions of such a constitution.

   a constitutional monarchy.

3. provided by, in accordance with, or not prohibited by, such a constitution.

   the constitutional powers of the president; a law held to be constitutional by the Supreme Court.

4. belonging to or inherent in the character or makeup of a person's body or mind.

   a constitutional weakness for sweets.

5. pertaining to the constitution or composition of a thing; essential.

6. beneficial to one's constitution; healthful.

   constitutional exercise.

noun

1. a walk or other mild exercise taken for the benefit of one's health.

constitutional

/ ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl /

adjective

1. denoting, characteristic of, or relating to a constitution

2. authorized by or subject to a constitution

3. of or inherent in the physical make-up or basic nature of a person or thing

   a constitutional weakness

4. beneficial to one's general physical wellbeing

noun

1. a regular walk taken for the benefit of one's health

Other Word Forms

• anticonstitutional adjective
• anticonstitutionally adverb
• hyperconstitutional adjective
• hyperconstitutionally adverb
• nonconstitutional adjective
• proconstitutional adjective
• quasi-constitutional adjective
• quasi-constitutionally adverb
• superconstitutional adjective
• superconstitutionally adverb
• constitutionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitutional¹

First recorded in 1675–85; constitution + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The deal would require Ukrainian constitutional changes and a supermajority in parliament to gain validity.

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The governor then went on a media blitz, telling several different outlets, including CNN, that the redraw was because of these constitutional concerns.

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If the fantasy or the fact of getting away with murder is allowed to become the measure of political power in this country, it will mark the death of America’s constitutional republic.

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Now, with a raft of constitutional changes just passed in Pakistan, Munir is consolidating power.

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Judge William Fitzpatrick said that Halligan made statements to the grand jury “that could reasonably form the basis for the defense to challenge whether the grand jury proceedings were infected with constitutional error.”

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Related Words

• democratic 
• lawful 
• legal 
• statutory