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constitution

kon-sti-TOO-shun /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən/

nounB2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formallegal

A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.

Often refers to a single written document, but can also describe an unwritten set of customs and laws that define a government's structure and powers.

The story behind the word. The word 'constitution' comes from the Latin 'constitutio,' meaning 'act of establishing' or 'regulation.' It's built from 'com-' (together) and 'statuere' (to set up, to establish). So, a constitution is literally something 'set up together' or 'established' as a fundamental law, forming the very foundation upon which a government or organization stands.

Word relationships

charter: Often refers to a document granting rights or defining an organization, sometimes less comprehensive than a constitution.
framework: A general structure or system, less formal and specific than a constitution.

Commonly confused with

bylaws: Bylaws are specific rules governing the internal management of an organization, while a constitution defines its fundamental structure and purpose.

Word family

constitutional (adjective): Relating to or in accordance with a constitution.
constitutionalist (noun): One who advocates for or adheres to constitutional government.

Collocations

draft a constitution
amend the constitution
constitutional crisis
uphold the constitution

Example sentences

"The United States Constitution, ratified in 1788, established the framework for the federal government and guaranteed certain rights to its citizens." Describing the foundational document of a nation.
"Britain has an unwritten constitution, based on statutes, common law, and conventions, rather than a single codified document." Referring to the overall structure of a body.

Memory hook

Think of a 'CONSTRUCTION' project for a country's laws. The 'CONSTITUTION' is the blueprint that lays out how everything is built and organized. Construction blueprint.

When not to use

Do not use 'constitution' when simply referring to a set of rules for a small group or club, unless those rules are truly foundational and define its very existence.

Fun facts

The U.S. Constitution is the shortest written constitution of any major government in the world, containing only 4,400 words.
San Marino has the world's oldest continuously active constitution, dating back to 1600.