constitutional

kon-sti-TOO-shuh-nuhl/ˌkɑnstɪˈt(j)uʃ(ə)n(ə)l/UKkon-sti-TYOO-shuh-nuhl/ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n(ə)l/

8 meanings of constitutional

1
adjective
Having to do with the set of basic laws that say how a country or group is run.
Like the main rulebook for a country, and anything tied to that rulebook.
The new law raised serious constitutional questions in court.
Free speech is treated as a constitutional right in many countries.
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2
adjective
Allowed by the basic laws of a country, and not breaking them.
Like a move in a game that follows the rules and is allowed.
The judges decided that the new tax was constitutional.
Many people argued that the travel ban was not constitutional.
Similarlawful, legal, legitimate, valid
Oppositeunconstitutional, nonconstitutional, anticonstitutional
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3
adjective
Said of a king or queen who has only limited, mostly ceremonial powers set by law.
Like a team captain who wears the badge while the coach makes the real decisions.
Sweden has a constitutional monarch with no real political power.
After the reforms, the king became a constitutional ruler.
Oppositeabsolute
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4
adjective
Being a basic, built-in part of how something is made or put together.
Like the foundation of a house: a basic part that holds everything up.
Fairness is a constitutional element of the whole system.
Cooperation is a constitutional part of how the group works.
Similarfundamental, essential, basic, intrinsic, inherent
Oppositeincidental, peripheral, superficial
5
adjective
Being a natural part of someone's body or mind from birth.
Like eye color: something you are simply born with.
Her steady calm seemed almost constitutional.
Some people have a constitutional strength that helps them heal fast.
Similarinherent, innate, inborn, congenital, intrinsic
Oppositeacquired
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6
adjective
Done to keep your body fit and healthy.
Like brushing your teeth: a small habit done to stay well.
He took a constitutional walk after every meal.
A short constitutional stroll helps her sleep better.
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7
nouncountable
A walk you take regularly to stay healthy.
Like walking the dog each day: a regular trip out to stay active.
Grandpa takes a constitutional every morning before breakfast.
A daily constitutional keeps her feeling fresh and rested.
Similarwalk, stroll, ramble
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8
nouneuphemisticcountable
A polite word for going to the toilet to pass solid waste.
He locked the bathroom door and settled in for his daily constitutional.
After that big meal, a constitutional in the bathroom soon followed.
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Practice

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Origin

From constitution plus the ending -al, meaning 'relating to a constitution'. Constitution goes back through Old French to Latin cōnstitūtiō, meaning arrangement or regulation.