constitution
15 synonyms and 0 antonyms for constitution, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A document setting out the fundamental laws and principles that govern a country or organization.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use constitution
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French constitucion, from Latin constitutio, "arrangement, order," from constituere ("to establish").
Full origin of constitution →Frequently asked questions
What does “constitution” mean?
The word “constitution” means a document setting out the fundamental laws and principles that govern a country or organization. In plain terms, either the founding rulebook of a country/organization, or someone's basic physical makeup.
How do you pronounce “constitution”?
“Constitution” is pronounced kon-stih-TYOO-shn (/ˌkɑn.stɪˈtu.ʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “constitution” in a sentence?
Here is “constitution” used in a sentence: “The country's constitution guarantees freedom of speech.”
What part of speech is “constitution”?
“Constitution” is a noun.
Where does the word “constitution” come from?
The word “constitution” comes from Latin. From Old French constitucion, from Latin constitutio, "arrangement, order," from constituere ("to establish").
Is “constitution” a common word?
“Constitution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “constitution” have?
“Constitution” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a document setting out the fundamental laws and principles that govern a country or organization.
What is the difference between a constitution and a law?
A constitution is the supreme, foundational set of rules that establishes how a country or organisation is governed. Ordinary laws are made under its authority and must not conflict with it. If a law breaks the constitution, courts can strike it down. The constitution ranks above all other laws.
What is the difference between a written and unwritten constitution?
A written, or codified, constitution sets out the core rules in a single document, as in the United States. An unwritten, or uncodified, one, as in the United Kingdom, draws its rules from many laws, court rulings, and conventions instead. Both govern the state; they differ in form.
What is an example of a constitution?
The United States Constitution, which sets out the powers of government and citizens' rights, is a famous national example. Organisations have them too: a club, charity, or union may adopt a constitution laying out its purpose, membership, and how decisions are made and leaders chosen.
Does constitution have other meanings?
Yes. It can describe a person's physical make-up or health, as in 'a strong constitution,' and the way something is composed or made up. This entry covers the main civic sense: the document of fundamental laws and principles governing a country or organisation.