constitution
gb/kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/ us/kˌɑnstətˈuʃən/
B1
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
System of laws and principles
The main laws and rules that control how a country or group works.
Usage pattern:
the constitution of [a country/organization]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'constitution' with 'institution'. 'Constitution' refers to laws and principles, while 'institution' refers to an established organization.
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.)
Collocations
written constitution
|amend the constitution
|under the constitution
|constitutional rights
|draft a constitution
Themes
government
|law
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The country's constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
- She studied the U.S. Constitution in her political science class.
- 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.
- We learned about the country's constitution in school.
- The constitution gives people many rights.
Noun
B2
state
2
Person's physical health
How strong and healthy someone is.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a [adjective] 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.
Synonyms
physique (Refers more to body shape and build rather than overall health resistance.)
Antonyms
frailty (Indicates physical weakness or vulnerability.)
Collocations
strong constitution
|weak constitution
|robust constitution
Themes
health
|biology
|body
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has a strong constitution and rarely gets sick.
- His weak constitution made it hard for him to recover quickly.
- Regular exercise can help improve your constitution.
Learner examples
- He has a strong constitution.
- My grandmother has a weak constitution.
- A good diet helps your constitution.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
3
Structure or makeup of something
The parts or structure that make something what it is.
Usage pattern:
the constitution of [something]
Synonyms
composition (More commonly used in everyday speech for describing makeup of things.)
Antonyms
disintegration (Refers to breaking apart rather than being structured.)
Collocations
chemical constitution
|social constitution
|genetic constitution
Themes
science
|general
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The chemical constitution of water is hydrogen and oxygen.
- The social constitution of the village has changed over time.
- Scientists study the genetic constitution of plants.
Learner examples
- The earth has a special constitution.
- Water has a simple constitution.
- The city has a mixed constitution.
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.