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constitution

kon-stih-TOO-shun /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formallegal

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

Refers to the supreme law of a land, outlining the structure of government, powers, and rights of citizens. It's the foundational legal document.

The story behind the word. The word 'constitution' comes from the Old French 'constitucion', which is derived from the Latin 'constitutio'. This Latin term means 'act of establishing', 'system', or 'fundamental principles'. It comes from the verb 'constituere', meaning 'to establish' or 'to set up'. So, a 'constitution' is the foundational document that 'sets up' or 'establishes' the very structure and principles of a government or organization.

Word relationships

charter: A written grant by a country's legislative or sovereign power, by which an institution is created and its rights and privileges defined; similar to a constitution for specific entities.
framework: A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text; 'constitution' is a specific legal framework.
governing document: A more general term for any document that outlines how an organization is governed; 'constitution' is the supreme example.

Word family

constitutional (adjective): relating to an established set of principles governing a state or organization
constitute (verb): to be (a part) of a whole; to establish or set up

Collocations

draft a constitution
amend the constitution
uphold the constitution
constitutional law

Example sentences

"The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1787, established the framework for the federal government and guaranteed individual liberties." Political Science
"Every club needs a constitution to define its purpose, membership rules, and decision-making processes." Organizational Structure

Memory hook

A 'CONSTITUTION' 'CONSTITUTES' the 'FOUNDATION' of a nation's laws. Foundational law

When not to use

Do not use 'constitution' for ordinary laws or regulations. It's reserved for the highest, foundational legal framework.

Fun facts

The U.S. Constitution is the shortest written constitution of any major government in the world.
Many countries have uncodified constitutions, meaning their fundamental principles are found in various statutes, conventions, and judicial decisions rather than a single document.