Constitute
/ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo form or compose something; to make up or be the parts of a whole.
/ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/
To be a part of something or make up a whole.
Water and nutrients constitute the essential elements for plant growth.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a pizza! Each ingredient, like the cheese, sauce, and pepperoni, *constitutes* the whole pizza. So, it means to make up or be a part of something big.
👶 For kids: To make up something. Like how little pieces make up a big thing.
More Examples
The states constitute the United States of America.
A team of researchers constitute the scientific community.
How It's Used
"Twelve months constitute a year."
"The citizens constitute the electorate."
To establish or create something legally or formally.
/ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/
To establish officially.
The new law constitutes a significant change to the legal system.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're creating a new club at school! To *constitute* the club is like officially starting it, setting up the rules, and making everything official.
👶 For kids: To start something and make it official.
More Examples
The board of directors constitutes the governing body of the company.
The meeting constituted the first formal step in the negotiation process.
How It's Used
"The government was constituted following the election."
"A committee was constituted to investigate the matter."
From Latin *constituere* ('to set up, establish'), from *con-* ('together') + *statuere* ('to set, place').
Historically used in legal and political contexts to define and establish structures.
Memory tip
Think of building blocks: each one *constitutes* part of the complete structure.
Word Origin
"to set up, establish"