constitution
gb/kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/ us/kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/
B1
English
~ 2300
alkotmány, alapszabály, szervezet, alkat, összetétel, felépítés
NOUN
B1
1
alkotmány
B2
alapszabály
B2
Usage pattern:
the constitution of [a country/organization]
The country's constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
Az ország alkotmánya garantálja a szólásszabadságot.
She studied the U.S. Constitution in her political science class.
Politológiaórán az Egyesült Államok alkotmányát tanulmányozta.
The new government promised to draft a democratic constitution.
Under the constitution, citizens have the right to vote.
Learner examples
The constitution says people can speak freely.
Az alkotmány kimondja, hogy az emberek szabadon kifejezhetik a véleményüket.
We learned about the country's constitution in school.
Az iskolában tanultunk az ország alkotmányáról.
The constitution gives people many rights.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'constitution' with 'institution'. 'Constitution' refers to laws and principles, while 'institution' refers to an established organization.
Meaning
System of laws and principles
Collocations
written constitution
|amend the constitution
|under the constitution
|constitutional rights
|draft a constitution
Synonyms
charter (Often refers to a formal document granting rights or outlining an organization's rules.)
Antonyms
anarchy (Refers to the absence of any governing laws or constitution.)
Themes
government
|law
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The main laws and rules that control how a country or group works.
The set of fundamental laws and principles that describe how a country, state, or organization is governed.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a [adjective] constitution
She has a strong constitution and rarely gets sick.
Erős szervezete van, és ritkán betegszik meg.
His weak constitution made it hard for him to recover quickly.
Gyenge szervezete miatt nehezen tudott gyorsan felépülni.
Regular exercise can help improve your constitution.
Learner examples
He has a strong constitution.
Erős szervezete van.
My grandmother has a weak constitution.
A nagymamámnak gyenge a szervezete.
A good diet helps your constitution.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'constitution' in this sense with 'condition'. 'Condition' is broader and can refer to specific illnesses or states, while 'constitution' is about general health strength.
Meaning
Person's physical health
Collocations
strong constitution
|weak constitution
|robust constitution
Synonyms
physique (Refers more to body shape and build rather than overall health resistance.)
Antonyms
frailty (Indicates physical weakness or vulnerability.)
Themes
health
|biology
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
How strong and healthy someone is.
A person's general state of health, strength, and ability to resist illness.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
összetétel
B2
felépítés
B1
Usage pattern:
the constitution of [something]
The chemical constitution of water is hydrogen and oxygen.
A víz kémiai összetételét a hidrogén és az oxigén alkotja.
The social constitution of the village has changed over time.
A falu társadalmi összetétele az idők során megváltozott.
Scientists study the genetic constitution of plants.
Learner examples
The earth has a special constitution.
A Földnek különleges felépítése van.
Water has a simple constitution.
A víz összetétele egyszerű.
The city has a mixed constitution.
Meaning
Structure or makeup of something
Collocations
chemical constitution
|social constitution
|genetic constitution
Synonyms
composition (More commonly used in everyday speech for describing makeup of things.)
Antonyms
disintegration (Refers to breaking apart rather than being structured.)
Themes
science
|general
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The parts or structure that make something what it is.
The way in which something is made up or arranged.
Grammar
Dictionary form
constitution
IPA
GB/kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/
US/kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/
Syllables & stress
con - sti - tu - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (tu)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: constitution
- Plural: constitution, constitutions
Word family
Forms
constitutions
noun
Core family
constitutional
adjective B2
constitute
verb B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unconstitutional
adjective C1
unconstitutionally
adverb
Advanced or less common
Expressions
amend the constitution
1/əmˈɛnd ðə kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/
fixed phrase
Change official laws document
To officially change the main laws of a country or group.
Examples
- It takes a two-thirds vote in Congress to amend the U.S. Constitution.
- Citizens voted to amend the constitution to allow more rights.
under the constitution
1/ˈʌndɚ ðə kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/
fixed phrase
According to official laws system
As stated by the main laws of a country or group.
Examples
- Under the constitution, all citizens are equal before the law.
- Under the constitution, the president serves for four years.
written constitution
1/ɹˈɪtən kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/
fixed phrase
A formally documented set of laws
A country's main laws written down in one document.
Examples
- India has a written constitution that came into effect in 1950.
- A written constitution can help prevent misunderstandings about government powers.