Other

constitute

Syllabification: (con·sti·tute)

Definition of constitute

[with object]

1be (a part) of a whole:single parents constitute a great proportion of the poor
(of people or things) combine to form (a whole):there were enough members present to constitute a quorum
be or be equivalent to (something):his failure to act constituted a breach of duty

2 (usually be constituted) give legal or constitutional form to (an institution); establish by law.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin constitut- 'established, appointed', from the verb constituere, from con- 'together' + statuere 'set up'

Definition of constitute in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words