constitute
gb/kˈɑnstətˌut/ us/kˈɑnstətˌut/
B2
English
~ 2300
alkot, kitesz, létrehoz, alapít, felállít, minősül, jelent, számít
VERB
B2
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
[parts] constitute [whole]
Twelve months constitute a year.
Tizenkét hónap alkot egy évet.
These actions constitute a clear violation of the rules.
Ezek a cselekedetek egyértelmű szabályszegést jelentenek.
The committee is constituted by ten members from different departments.
Your behavior could constitute harassment under the law.
Learner examples
Four weeks constitute a month.
Négy hét tesz ki egy hónapot.
These rooms constitute my apartment.
Ezek a szobák alkotják a lakásomat.
Ten players constitute the team.
These books constitute my whole library.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'constitute' with 'compose'. 'Constitute' is usually used for the parts making up the whole, while 'compose' is for describing what the whole is made of.
Meaning
Be the parts that make up something
Collocations
constitute a majority
|constitute a threat
|constitute a crime
|constitute evidence
Synonyms
comprise (Slightly more common in everyday use; can be less formal.)
|
form (Simpler and more general; less formal tone.)
Antonyms
exclude (Means to leave something out of a whole.)
Themes
general
|law
|science
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To be the parts that together make something.
To be the parts or elements that together form or make up something.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
to constitute [organization/system]
The organization was constituted in 1995 to promote environmental awareness.
A szervezetet 1995-ben hozták létre a környezettudatosság növelésére.
A new panel will be constituted to review the policy.
Új bizottságot állítanak fel az irányelv felülvizsgálatára.
The treaty constitutes a new international body for trade regulation.
Learner examples
The school was constituted in 1980.
Az iskolát 1980-ban alapították.
They will constitute a new group for the project.
A projekthez új csoportot hoznak létre.
The city constituted a new council.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'institute'; both can mean to set up, but 'constitute' focuses on forming the body itself, not just starting activities.
Meaning
Formally establish or set up
Collocations
constitute a committee
|constitute a government
|constitute an authority
Synonyms
establish (More common and widely used; slightly less formal.)
|
found (Often used for starting organizations, especially historical or business contexts.)
Antonyms
dissolve (Means to officially end or close an organization or body.)
Themes
law
|government
|business
Definition
To officially start or create something.
To formally establish, create, or set something up, especially an institution or system.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
[something] constitutes [description/status]
Such behavior may constitute a breach of contract.
Az ilyen magatartás szerződésszegésnek minősülhet.
These actions constitute a serious risk to safety.
Ezek a cselekedetek komoly biztonsági kockázatot jelentenek.
That remark does not constitute an apology.
Learner examples
Missing school can constitute a problem.
Az iskolai hiányzás problémát jelenthet.
This act can constitute a crime.
Ez a tett bűncselekménynek minősülhet.
Such words may constitute an insult.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes overuse this sense in casual speech; in everyday language, simpler verbs like 'is' or 'means' are more common.
Meaning
Be regarded as
Collocations
constitute a breach
|constitute misconduct
|constitute negligence
Synonyms
amount to (Slightly less formal; often used in similar contexts.)
|
represent (Can mean to stand for or symbolize, but less about legal definitions.)
Antonyms
fail to qualify as (Means it does not meet the conditions to be considered as such.)
Themes
law
|general
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To be thought of as something.
To be considered or viewed as having a particular quality or status.
Grammar
Dictionary form
constitute
IPA
GB/kˈɑnstətˌut/
US/kˈɑnstətˌut/
Syllables & stress
con - sti - tute (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (con)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: constitute
- 3rd Person Singular: constitutes
- Present Participle: constituting
- Past: constituted
Word family
Forms
constitutes
verb
constituting
verb
constituted
verb
Core family
constitution
noun B1
constitutional
adjective B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unconstitutional
adjective C1
unconstitutionally
adverb
Advanced or less common
constitutionally
adverb
constitutive
adjective
constitutionality
noun
reconstitution
noun
Expressions
be constituted by
1/bˈi kˈɑnstətˌutɪd bˈaɪ/
fixed phrase
formal
Be made up of parts
To be formed from certain parts or members.
Examples
- The panel is constituted by experts from various fields.
- The council is constituted by elected members from each district.
constitute a breach of
1/kˈɑnstətˌut ə bɹˈit͡ʃ əv/
fixed phrase
formal
Be considered a violation of rules
To be officially seen as breaking a rule, law, or agreement.
Examples
- Failing to pay on time may constitute a breach of contract.
- Damaging the property would constitute a breach of your lease agreement.