Eleanor Finch
The word constitute is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of formation, composition, or establishment. It is often employed to describe the act of forming or creating something, such as a group, an institution, or a concept. For example, calves constitute about one-twelfth of the total number of cattle. It can also be used to describe the components or elements that make up a whole, as in, the disks and granules constitute a very powerful microphone. In legal and official contexts, constitute may refer to the establishment of rules, laws, or guidelines, as seen in the sentence, an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Understanding the proper usage of constitute allows for clearer expression and avoids ambiguity in communication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | compose, establish, form, organise, set up |
| Meaning | to form or compose, to create and charge with a task or function, to compose or represent, to set up or lay the groundwork for |
| Example Sentences | "Does such an activity constitute a criminal offence?" "The universities constitute a reservoir of expert knowledge." "The company will constitute you captain of the ship." "The under-18s constitute nearly 25% of the town's population." "An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt." |
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What You'll Learn
- Use constitute to describe a whole made up of parts
- Constitute can refer to the act of setting up or establishing
- Constitute can be used to describe a group of people
- The word can refer to the act of forming or creating something
- Constitute can be used to describe something that equals or amounts to something else
Use constitute to describe a whole made up of parts
The word "constitute" is used to describe something that is formed or composed of various parts. It implies that a whole is made up of smaller, individual components that come together to create a larger entity. This usage of the word "constitute" is common across various fields, including science, sociology, and everyday language.
For example, in science, atoms are composed of electrons and other particles, and these parts come together to constitute the atom as a whole. Similarly, in sociology, social groups are constituted by individual people who form a collective unit. This concept of "part-whole" relationships is fundamental to understanding the interplay between individuals and the social groups they are a part of.
In everyday language, the word "constitute" can be used to describe a wide range of scenarios where a whole is made up of parts. For instance, "the calves constitute about one-twelfth of the total number of cattle." Here, the individual calves are the parts that make up the whole herd of cattle. Similarly, "the under-18s constitute nearly 25% of the town's population." In this sentence, the focus is on the portion of the whole that the parts represent.
The word "constitute" can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe concepts or ideas that are formed by combining smaller elements. For example, "listening, speaking, reading, then writing constitute the fundamental order in language learning." Here, the four language skills are the parts that, when combined, form the whole concept of language learning.
Furthermore, "constitute" can be used to describe the establishment of a whole entity from its constituent parts. For example, "the universities constitute a reservoir of expert knowledge." In this sentence, the universities are being established or formed from the collective knowledge they contain.
In summary, the word "constitute" is a versatile term that describes how a whole is formed or composed of smaller parts. It can be applied to tangible objects, groups of people, concepts, and more, highlighting the relationship between the individual components and the larger entity they create.
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Constitute can refer to the act of setting up or establishing
The word "constitute" can refer to the act of setting up or establishing. For example, in the context of forming a group or team, one might say: "The members of the committee constitute a diverse range of professionals, each bringing unique expertise to the table." Here, the committee is being established or set up with members who offer varied skills and knowledge.
In another scenario, "constitute" can be used to describe the formation of a plan or strategy: "The first step is to understand the problem, which constitutes the groundwork for our strategy." This sentence highlights how the initial phase of problem understanding lays the foundation for the strategy that follows.
When referring to a physical location or space, "constitute" can be used to describe the arrangement or composition of an area: "The main hall constitutes a versatile space that can accommodate various events and exhibitions." Here, the sentence conveys how the main hall is designed or set up to serve multiple purposes.
In a legal or official context, "constitute" can refer to the establishment of rules, regulations, or policies: "The new traffic laws constitute a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at improving road safety." This sentence highlights how the traffic laws are being established or set up to enhance safety measures on the roads.
Additionally, "constitute" can be used to describe the formation or establishment of relationships or connections: "The friendship between the two nations constitutes a strong alliance, fostering mutual cooperation and support." Here, the sentence conveys how the friendship between the countries has led to the creation of a powerful partnership.
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Constitute can be used to describe a group of people
The word "constitute" is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, including describing a group of people. In its simplest form, "constitute" means "to form or compose." When applied to a group of people, it implies that the individuals within the group collectively make up or establish that particular group.
For example, consider the sentence, "The committee is constituted by elected representatives." Here, the committee is formed or established by the group of elected representatives. The representatives, as a collective, constitute the committee. This usage of the word "constitute" helps to define the nature and composition of the group.
In another example, "The long-term unemployed now constitute a sort of underclass," the sentence describes how the long-term unemployed, as a collective, form or make up a distinct social group, which is referred to as an "underclass." This usage of "constitute" highlights the idea of a group being defined or characterized by a shared attribute or situation.
Similarly, the sentence, "The under-18s constitute nearly 25% of the town's population," illustrates how the individuals under the age of 18 collectively form a significant portion of the town's population. Here, "constitute" is used to describe the demographic makeup of the town, with a specific focus on the age distribution.
"Constitute" can also be used to describe the formation of a group with a common purpose or shared identity. For instance, "Society is as necessary to form persons as persons are to constitute society" implies that individuals come together to establish a society, and in turn, the society shapes and forms those individuals. This usage showcases the reciprocal relationship between individuals and the society they collectively constitute.
In summary, the word "constitute" can be effectively used to describe a group of people by conveying how the individuals within the group collectively form, compose, or establish that particular group. It helps to define the composition, characteristics, and, in some cases, the purpose or identity of the group being described.
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The word can refer to the act of forming or creating something
The word "constitute" can refer to the act of forming or creating something. It is used to describe the essential elements that make up a particular entity. For example, in the sentence "Women constitute 70 percent of the student population at the college", the word "constitute" is used to describe the proportion of female students as compared to the total student population.
Another example is, "The laws of a country constitute the legal framework within which its citizens must abide". Here, the word "constitute" refers to how the laws of a country form the basis of its legal system. Similarly, "The universities constitute a reservoir of expert knowledge" highlights how universities are a source of specialized knowledge.
"Calves constitute about one-twelfth of the total number of cattle" is another sentence that demonstrates the usage of the word "constitute" to mean forming or creating something. It describes the proportion of calves in relation to the total cattle population.
The word "constitute" can also be used in a negative sense to indicate that something does not form a particular whole. For instance, "Lack of experience does not constitute a major hindrance to progress" suggests that a lack of experience is not a significant barrier to moving forward.
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Constitute can be used to describe something that equals or amounts to something else
The word "constitute" can be used to describe something that equals or amounts to something else. It is used to signify that something is made up of certain components or elements, or that it forms or composes something.
For example, in the sentence "Twelve people constitute a jury", the word "constitute" is used to indicate that a jury is composed of or equals twelve people. Similarly, in the sentence "The disks and granules constitute a very powerful microphone", the use of "constitute" conveys that the combination of disks and granules forms or amounts to a powerful microphone.
Another example is "Calves constitute about one-twelfth of the total number of cattle". Here, the word "constitute" describes the proportion of calves in relation to the total cattle population, indicating that calves make up or equal approximately one-twelfth of the whole.
The word "constitute" can also be used in a broader sense to describe a grouping or category. For instance, "These small nations constitute an important grouping within the EU" implies that these nations collectively form or represent a significant bloc within the European Union.
In some cases, "constitute" may be used to describe something that is established or set up. For example, "The company will constitute you captain of the ship" suggests that the company is appointing or establishing the individual as the captain of the ship.
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Frequently asked questions
To constitute means to form, compose, make up, establish, set up, create, or organise.
"The under-18s constitute nearly 25% of the town's population."
"An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt."
The opposite of constitute is 'deconstitute', meaning to break something down into its component parts.
