constitution, the: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “constitution, the” mean?
The system of laws and principles that defines the structure, powers, and duties of a government and guarantees rights to its citizens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The system of laws and principles that defines the structure, powers, and duties of a government and guarantees rights to its citizens; specifically, the supreme written document establishing such a system in a particular country (e.g., the US Constitution).
1) The act or process of composing, forming, or establishing something. 2) The physical makeup or composition of a person or thing, especially regarding health or inherent qualities. 3) The nature or character of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, the capitalized form 'Constitution' is a profoundly important cultural and political referent, often personified. The UK lacks a single, codified document called 'the Constitution'; the term refers to the uncodified body of laws, conventions, and principles (e.g., parliamentary sovereignty). Therefore, usage is more abstract and less frequent in everyday UK discourse.
Connotations
US: Deep veneration, foundational authority, sacred text, legal bedrock, historical document (1787). UK: Abstract principles, evolutionary tradition, unwritten rules, political conventions.
Frequency
The term is significantly more frequent in American English across all registers (news, academia, law) due to the central, codified role of the document. In UK English, it's common in political science and law but less so in general media.
Grammar
How to Use “constitution, the” in a Sentence
The constitution of [COUNTRY/ORGANIZATION]to have a strong/weak constitution (physical)according to the constitutionan amendment to the constitutionto be enshrined in the constitutionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constitution, the” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee was constituted to review the regulations.
- The trust was constituted under the 1907 Act.
American English
- The board is constituted of nine members.
- The assembly constituted itself as a governing body.
adverb
British English
- The law was constitutionally sound.
- The government acted constitutionally.
American English
- The amendment is constitutionally protected.
- The president's power is constitutionally limited.
adjective
British English
- They took a constitutional stroll through the park.
- The constitutional monarchy limits the sovereign's power.
American English
- He goes for a constitutional every morning.
- The case raised a fundamental constitutional question.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May refer to a company's memorandum/articles of association or founding charter.
Academic
Central in Political Science, Law, History. Discussed in terms of design, interpretation, amendment, comparative constitutional law.
Everyday
Mostly in news/politics: 'The court ruled the law unconstitutional.' Less commonly, physical health: 'He has a strong constitution.'
Technical
Legal: Specific articles, clauses, precedents (e.g., Commerce Clause, Equal Protection). Medical/biological: Genetic/physical makeup of an organism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “constitution, the”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “constitution, the”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constitution, the”
- Using lowercase for a specific national document (e.g., 'the american constitution' should be 'the American Constitution').
- Confusing 'constitution' (document) with 'constitutional' (related to health/exercise, e.g., 'a constitutional walk').
- Using 'unconstitutional' to mean simply 'wrong' or 'unfair' rather than 'in violation of the constitution'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Capitalize 'Constitution' only when it is part of the proper name of a specific document (e.g., the Constitution of the United States, the Australian Constitution). Use lowercase for the general concept or when using the term in its other meanings (e.g., a written constitution, a person's physical constitution).
A constitution is the supreme, foundational law of a country. It establishes the framework for government, distributes power, and guarantees rights. Ordinary laws (statutes) are created by the legislature and must conform to the principles set out in the constitution. A law can be struck down if it is 'unconstitutional'.
Yes. Clubs, societies, unions, and companies often have a constitution (sometimes called bylaws or articles of association). This is a written document that sets out the fundamental rules governing the organisation's purpose, structure, and procedures.
This is an idiom referring to a person's physical health and resilience. It means someone is generally healthy, robust, and able to resist illness or hardship well. It is not related to government or law.
The system of laws and principles that defines the structure, powers, and duties of a government and guarantees rights to its citizens.
Constitution, the is usually formal to neutral in register.
Constitution, the: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːnstɪˈtuːʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A constitution of iron (very strong health)”
- “To be unconstitutional (not allowed by the constitution)”
- “A constitutional right (a right guaranteed by the constitution)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CONstitution is what a country is CONstructed upon. Imagine the founding fathers CONvening to write it.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CONSTITUTION IS A FOUNDATION/BLUEPRINT (It underpins and structures the legal system); THE CONSTITUTION IS A LIVING DOCUMENT (It evolves through interpretation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'constitution' NOT refer to a system of government?