English

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Etymology

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From Middle English constituten, from Latin cōnstitūtum, neuter of cōnstitūtus, past participle of Latin cōnstituō (to put in place; set up; establish), from con- (with) + statuō (to put up; establish).

Pronunciation

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Verb

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constitute (third-person singular simple present constitutes, present participle constituting, simple past and past participle constituted)

  1. (transitive) To set up; to establish; to enact.
    • 1651, Jer[emy] Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living. [], 2nd edition, London: [] Francis Ashe [], →OCLC:
      Laws appointed and constituted by lawful authority.
  2. (transitive) To make up; to compose; to form.
    • 1779–81, Samuel Johnson, "Abraham Cowley" in Lives of the Most Eminent English Poet
      Truth and reason constitute that intellectual gold that defies destruction.
    • 1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 288:
      Atlantic gales constantly buffet Morwenstow, whose seven hamlets together constitute Cornwall's most northerly parish. The village is dotted with trees moulded into weird shapes by the wind, and above the trees rise the vicarage chimneystacks resembling miniature church towers.
  3. (transitive) To appoint, depute, or elect to an office; to make and empower.

Synonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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constitute (plural constitutes)

  1. (obsolete) An established law.
    • 1569, Thomas Preston, Cambyses:
      A naughty man that will not obey the kings constitute.

References

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Further reading

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Latin

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Noun

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cōnstitūte

  1. vocative singular of cōnstitūtus

References

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Scots

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Verb

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constitute (third-person singular simple present constitutes, present participle constitutein, simple past constitutet, past participle constitutet)

  1. To constitute.