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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitutional¹

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

Example Sentences

“One later student of constitutional history compared Beard’s influence to Darwin or Freud.”

From Los Angeles Times

The fund ensures residents have access to “resources necessary to safeguard their constitutional rights, uphold due process protections, and preserve family unity,” according to the motion.

From Los Angeles Times

Public employees, she added, enjoy some constitutional protection, but those rights are not absolute and can be outweighed by workplace disruption.

From Salon

Kirk was hauled in front of a Congressional committee investigating the riot and declined to say much of anything, instead invoking his constitutional right not to incriminate himself.

From BBC

Kirk had suggested that occasional gun deaths were an acceptable cost for preserving constitutional rights, calling it a “prudent deal” and “rational.”

From Salon

Related Words

• democratic 
• lawful 
• legal 
• statutory