constellate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Formal, Literary, Technical (Astronomy, Poetic)
Quick answer
What does “constellate” mean?
To form or be arranged into a cluster or group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To form or be arranged into a cluster or group; to gather in a specific, often star-like, configuration.
To be covered with or marked by numerous small spots or patches; (figuratively) to bring together a group of notable people, things, or events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare in both variants.
Connotations
In both, it carries a formal, somewhat poetic or scientific connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora; slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic or literary texts due to historical usage.
Grammar
How to Use “constellate” in a Sentence
[Stars/Things] constellate (intransitive)[Subject] constellates [objects] (transitive)be constellated with [something]constellate around [a central point]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constellate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The freckles constellate across her nose and cheeks.
- Great minds began to constellate around the university's new institute.
American English
- The stars constellate into familiar patterns in the winter sky.
- The report constellates a series of troubling incidents from the last decade.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, and astronomy to describe groupings of themes, events, or stars.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound overly formal or pretentious.
Technical
Used in astronomy, though 'cluster' is more common. Also found in dermatology/biology to describe clustered markings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “constellate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constellate”
- Using it as a synonym for 'illustrate' or 'demonstrate'.
- Misspelling as 'constalete' or 'constalatte'.
- Using it in casual speech where 'group' or 'cluster' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word primarily used in literary, academic, or technical (astronomical) contexts.
Yes, figuratively. E.g., 'Celebrities constellated around the film director at the premiere.' It suggests a brilliant or notable gathering.
The direct noun is 'constellation'. The process or result can be called 'constellation' or 'constellating'.
'Accumulate' means to gather over time, often amassing quantity. 'Constellate' means to form into a distinct cluster or pattern, emphasizing configuration rather than just collection.
To form or be arranged into a cluster or group.
Constellate is usually formal, literary, technical (astronomy, poetic) in register.
Constellate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnstəleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnstəleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A constellated past (literary: a past marked by many significant events)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONSTELLATION of stars. To CONSTELLATE is to form into such a starry group.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/EVENTS ARE STARS (e.g., 'Revolutionary ideas constellated in the 18th century.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'constellate' MOST appropriately used?