Dictionary

constitute

verb con·sti·tute \ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌtüt, -ˌtyüt\

: to make up or form something

: to be the same as something : to be equivalent to something

: to establish or create (an organization, a government, etc.)

con·sti·tut·edcon·sti·tut·ing

Full Definition of CONSTITUTE

transitive verb
1
:  to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
2
:  set up, establish: as
a :  enact
b :  found
c (1) :  to give due or lawful form to
(2) :  to legally process
3
:  make up, form, compose <12 months constitute a year> <high school dropouts who constitute a major problem in large city slums — J. B. Conant>
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of CONSTITUTE

Middle English, from Latin constitutus, past participle of constituere to set up, constitute, from com- + statuere to set — more at statute
First Known Use: 15th century
CONSTITUTE Defined for Kids

constitute

verb con·sti·tute \ˈkän-stə-ˌtüt, -ˌtyüt\
con·sti·tut·edcon·sti·tut·ing

Definition of CONSTITUTE for Kids

1
:  to form the whole of <Twelve months constitute a year.>
2
:  to establish or create <constitute a new government>

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: constitutionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: constituta pecuniaAll Words Near: constitute
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears