constitutional

American  

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl, -tyoo-] / ˌkɒn stɪˈtu ʃə nl, -ˈtyu- /

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.

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noun

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

constitutional British  

/ 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

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of constitutional

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

Example Sentences

Lecornu has vowed not to use special constitutional powers to circumvent parliament to pass a budget.

From The Wall Street Journal

He was so fervent that he got ahead of the Revolution in its early, constitutional phase and had to hide in the sewers.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We thank the jurors for their service as an essential backstop against prosecutorial overreach in our constitutional system,” they said in a statement to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Morales, who served three terms as president between 2006 and 2019, had attempted to stand again in this year's election but was barred by constitutional term limits.

From Barron's

ADF’s efforts have led Waggoner to arguments that are potentially at odds with the conservative judicial framework known as originalism, which aims to apply constitutional text as it was understood when adopted.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• democratic
• lawful
• legal
• statutory