constitute — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To set up; to establish; to enact.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   Laws appointed and constituted by lawful authority.

2. To make up; to compose; to form.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   1779–81, Samuel Johnson, "Abraham Cowley" in Lives of the Most Eminent English Poet Truth and reason constitute that intellectual gold that defies destruction.

   More examples (1)

   Atlantic gales constantly buffet Morwenstow, whose seven hamlets together constitute Cornwall's most northerly parish. The village is dotted with trees moulded into weird shapes by the wind, and above the trees rise the vicarage chimneystacks resembling miniature church towers.

3. To appoint, depute, or elect to an office; to make and empower.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   Me didst Thou constitute a priest of thine.

Noun

1. An established law.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   A naughty man that will not obey the kings constitute.

Verb

1. form or compose

   Synonyms

   representmake upcomprisebe

   Broader terms

   existbe

   Examples

   This money is my only income

   The stone wall was the backdrop for the performance

   More examples (4)

   These constitute my entire belonging

   The children made up the chorus

   This sum represents my entire income for a year

   These few men comprise his entire army

2. create and charge with a task or function

   Synonyms

   appointnamenominate

   Broader terms

   establishfoundplantinstitute

   Examples

   nominate a committee

3. to compose or represent

   Synonyms

   formmake

   Broader terms

   representmake upcomprisebe

   Examples

   This wall forms the background of the stage setting

   The branches made a roof

   More examples (1)

   This makes a fine introduction

4. set up or lay the groundwork for

   Synonyms

   establishfoundplantinstitute

   Broader terms

   initiatepioneer

   Examples

   establish a new department