constitute
gb/kˈɑnstətˌut/ us/kˈɑnstətˌut/
B2
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
B2
relation
1
Be the parts that make up something
To be the parts that together make something.
Usage pattern:
[parts] constitute [whole]
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.
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.)
Collocations
constitute a majority
|constitute a threat
|constitute a crime
|constitute evidence
Themes
general
|law
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Twelve months constitute a year.
- These actions constitute a clear violation of the rules.
- 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.
- These rooms constitute my apartment.
- Ten players constitute the team.
- These books constitute my whole library.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
Formally establish or set up
To officially start or create something.
Usage pattern:
to constitute [organization/system]
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.
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.)
Collocations
constitute a committee
|constitute a government
|constitute an authority
Themes
law
|government
|business
Examples
- The organization was constituted in 1995 to promote environmental awareness.
- A new panel will be constituted to review the policy.
- The treaty constitutes a new international body for trade regulation.
Learner examples
- The school was constituted in 1980.
- They will constitute a new group for the project.
- The city constituted a new council.
Verb
formal
B2
relation
3
Be regarded as
To be thought of as something.
Usage pattern:
[something] constitutes [description/status]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes overuse this sense in casual speech; in everyday language, simpler verbs like 'is' or 'means' are more common.
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.)
Collocations
constitute a breach
|constitute misconduct
|constitute negligence
Themes
law
|general
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Such behavior may constitute a breach of contract.
- These actions constitute a serious risk to safety.
- That remark does not constitute an apology.
Learner examples
- Missing school can constitute a problem.
- This act can constitute a crime.
- Such words may constitute an insult.
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.