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Constitutes Meaning in English

word · lemma: constitute

/ˈkɑnstəˌtuts/
KAHN-stuh-tyoots
/kˈɒnstɪtjˌuːts/
KON-sti-tyoots

Definition

Means to be or form something, or to make up the parts that create a whole; often used in formal or legal contexts.

Usage & Nuances

Very formal and common in legal, academic, and scientific language. Used with rules, definitions, groups, or essentials ('This constitutes a crime'). Rarely used in casual speech. Often confused with 'comprise' or 'make up', but 'constitutes' focuses on what forms or qualifies as something.

Example Sentences

Stealing constitutes a crime in most countries.

basic

Ten students constitute the entire class.

basic

A smile doesn't always constitute happiness.

basic

A broken window doesn’t necessarily constitute an emergency.

natural

What constitutes a healthy relationship is different for everyone.

natural

Sending spam emails constitutes a violation of company policy.

natural