Constitution — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən/ con·sti·tu·tion

Meaning & Definition of Constitution

Constitution (noun)

  1. the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it
  2. a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization; specifically, the U.S. Constitution
  3. the physical makeup of the individual especially with respect to the health, strength, and appearance of the body

Constitution (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others

    "the question of whether violent conflict is part of the constitution of human society"

    similar: character, clay, colors, complexion, genius, nature, personality, self, tone
    related: distinctiveness, distinctness, individuality, singularity, uniqueness, attribute, characteristic, earmark, essentiality, feature, flavor, hallmark, mark, point, property, savor, stamp, trait, disposition, grain, sort, temper, temperament, composition, makeup, essence, interior, interiority, soul, spirit, metal, stuff, substance, habit, way

  2. the type of body that a person has

    "that marathon runner is known more for her strong constitution than for her speed"

    similar: build, figure, form, frame, habit, physique, shape
    related: anatomy, structure

  3. a collection or system of rules of conduct

    "our society's constitution requires that every member in good standing pay yearly dues"

    similar: canon, code, decalogue, law
    related: discipline, establishment, common law, legislation

  4. a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature

    "the constitution against murder is universal among civilized societies"

    similar: act, bill, enactment, law, ordinance, statute
    related: command, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, fiat, ruling, bylaw, ground rule, regulation, rule, amendment, legislation, common law, martial law, blue law, prohibition, proscription, restriction, canon, capitulary, encyclical

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Constitution

The most common words with a similar meaning to Constitution:

character, clay, colors, complexion, genius, nature, personality, self, tone, build, figure, form, frame, habit, physique, shape, canon, code, decalogue, law, act, bill, enactment, ordinance, statute

Related Words for Constitution

distinctiveness, distinctness, individuality, singularity, uniqueness, attribute, characteristic, earmark, essentiality, feature, flavor, hallmark, mark, point, property, savor, stamp, trait, disposition, grain, sort, temper, temperament, composition, makeup, essence, interior, interiority, soul, spirit

Word Forms of Constitution

Derived words: constitutionless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Constitution

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Constitution

Words & Phrases Containing Constitution

unwritten constitution

Frequently Asked Questions about Constitution

What does "Constitution" mean?

"Constitution" means the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it. As a noun, it is defined as: the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Constitution"?

Other words for "Constitution" include character, clay, colors, complexion, genius, nature, personality and self. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Constitution" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Constitution"?

There are 85 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Constitution". Common alternatives include character, clay, colors, complexion, genius, nature, personality, self, tone and build.

How do you use "Constitution" in a sentence?

Examples of "Constitution" in a sentence: "the question of whether violent conflict is part of the constitution of human society"; "that marathon runner is known more for her strong constitution than for her speed"; "our society's constitution requires that every member in good standing pay yearly dues".

Is "Constitution" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Constitution" is a noun.

Is "Constitution" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Constitution" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Constitution"?

"Constitution" is pronounced /ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən/ and divided into syllables as con·sti·tu·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Constitution"?

First known use: 14th century.