constitute

/ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: constitutes · constituting · constituted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To set up; to establish; to enact.

Verb

Examples

Laws appointed and constituted by lawful authority.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To make up; to compose; to form.

Verb

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “constitute” mean?

To set up; to establish; to enact.

Is “constitute” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.