constitute

USKON-sti-toot/ˈkɑnstɪt(j)uːt/SayKON-sti-tyoot/ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/AUS/ˈkɔnstɪtjʉːt/

Formsconstitutes, constituting, constituted

4 meanings of constitute

1
verbtransitive
To be the parts that together make up something larger.
Like the way many bricks together make one wall.
Twelve players constitute a full team.
These rooms constitute the oldest part of the building.
Similarform, compose, represent, comprise
Note
2
verbtransitive
To set up or officially start something, such as a group or a rule.
Like starting a new club and making it official.
The members voted to constitute a new committee.
Lawmakers constitute new agencies to handle emerging problems.
Similarestablish, create, form, found, institute
Oppositeabolish, dissolve, disband
Note
3
verbtransitive
To choose someone and give them the power to hold an office or do a job.
Like naming someone captain and giving them the right to lead.
The board will constitute her as the new treasurer.
They constitute him their representative at the meeting.
Similarappoint, name, designate, nominate, empower
Note

Less common meaning

4
nounobsolete
A rule or law that has been set up and made official.
Like a written rule that everyone in a place must follow.
The town followed an ancient constitute that no one dared to break.
A naughty man that will not obey the kings constitute.
1569, Thomas Preston, CambysesHere, constitute means a law or rule that has been officially set.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin, from a word meaning 'to set up' or 'establish', made from con- ('with') and statuo ('to put up').