constitutional
gb/kˌɑnstətˈuʃənəl/ us/kˌɑnstətˈuʃənəl/
B2
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
Permitted by a constitution
About something that follows the main laws of a country.
Usage pattern:
[something] is constitutional
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'constitutional' with 'legal'. Not all legal actions are constitutional if they conflict with the constitution.
Synonyms
legal (General term for permitted by law, not specifically tied to a constitution.)
Antonyms
unconstitutional (Direct opposite, meaning not allowed by the constitution.)
Collocations
constitutional right
|constitutional law
|constitutional amendment
|constitutional protection
Themes
law
|politics
|government
Examples
- The court ruled that the new policy was constitutional.
- Freedom of speech is a constitutional right in many countries.
- They argued that the law violated constitutional principles.
Learner examples
- The new rule is constitutional.
- Free speech is a constitutional right.
- This action is constitutional under the law.
adjective
C1
property
2
Relating to basic structure
About the most important parts or rules of something.
Usage pattern:
[something] is constitutional to [something]
Synonyms
fundamental (Similar in meaning, but can apply more broadly beyond legal or political systems.)
Antonyms
superficial (Opposite in that it refers to surface-level aspects rather than essential structure.)
Collocations
constitutional framework
|constitutional system
|constitutional arrangement
Themes
law
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The constitutional framework of the country was established centuries ago.
- Respect for human rights is constitutional to our democracy.
- They discussed possible changes to the constitutional system.
Learner examples
- The constitutional system is very old.
- Human rights are constitutional to our country.
- We study the constitutional framework in class.
adjective
C1
property
3
Relating to physical health
About a person's body and health.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a constitutional [strength/weakness]
Synonyms
bodily (Focuses on the body in general, not necessarily on inherent makeup.)
Antonyms
acquired (Refers to conditions developed after birth, not part of inherent constitution.)
Collocations
constitutional weakness
|constitutional strength
|constitutional disorder
Themes
health
|body
Examples
- She has a constitutional weakness that makes her prone to illness.
- His constitutional strength helped him recover quickly.
- The disease is believed to be constitutional rather than environmental.
Learner examples
- He has a constitutional weakness in his lungs.
- Her constitutional strength is very good.
- This problem is constitutional, not caused by food.
Noun
informal
B2
entity
4
A walk for health or pleasure
A walk you take to be healthy or feel good.
Usage pattern:
to go for a constitutional
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this meaning is somewhat old-fashioned and often humorous today.
Synonyms
stroll (A slow, relaxed walk, not necessarily for health reasons.)
Antonyms
sedentary rest (Opposite activity — staying still instead of walking.)
Collocations
morning constitutional
|evening constitutional
Themes
health
|daily life
|daily_life
Examples
- He takes a morning constitutional before breakfast every day.
- We went out for an evening constitutional around the park.
- Her daily constitutional helps her stay fit.
Learner examples
- I take a morning constitutional every day.
- We go for a constitutional after dinner.
- He enjoys his evening constitutional in the park.
Grammar
Dictionary form
constitutional
IPA
GB/kˌɑnstətˈuʃənəl/
US/kˌɑnstətˈuʃənəl/
Syllables & stress
con - sti - tu - tion - al (5 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (tu)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: constitutional
Noun
- Base: constitutional
- Plural: constitutionals
Word family
Forms
constitutionals
noun
Core family
Related words
constituent
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unconstitutional
adjective C1
unconstitutionally
adverb
Advanced or less common
Expressions
constitutional law
1/kˌɑnstətˈuʃənəl lˈɔ/
fixed phrase
technical
Law about constitutions
The part of law that explains and uses the rules of a country's constitution.
Examples
- She specializes in constitutional law at university.
- The case raised important issues in constitutional law.
constitutional right
1/kˌɑnstətˈuʃənəl ɹˈaɪt/
fixed phrase
Right protected by constitution
A right that the main law of a country protects.
Examples
- Freedom of religion is a constitutional right in many nations.
- Citizens have the constitutional right to vote.
constitutional amendment
1/kˌɑnstətˈuʃənəl əmˈɛndmənt/
fixed phrase
Change to constitution text
A formal change made to the main law of a country.
Examples
- The government proposed a new constitutional amendment.
- The constitutional amendment was passed by a two-thirds majority in Congress.
- It takes years to pass a constitutional amendment.
- Women's suffrage was granted through a constitutional amendment.