constitute

Definitions

con- (together) + stitut (the -stitut- forms all come from Latin statuere 'to set up, establish' — itself built on stāre 'to stand'). To constitute is literally to 'set things up together': the parts are placed side by side to stand as one whole. From this come both senses — twelve members constitute a jury (they make it up), and a law can constitute a new court (it sets it up).

Why It Means This

The -stitut- in constitute, institute, and substitute all trace to Latin statuere ('to set up, cause to stand'), the causative cousin of stāre ('to stand'). That is why these words are about putting things in place and making them stand: a constitution is the framework a state is 'set up' on.

Common Collocations

• 1.constitute a threat构成威胁
• 2.constitute a crime构成犯罪
• 3.constitute a majority构成多数
• 4.constitute a breach构成违约

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Women constitute nearly half of the workforce in this country.

• 2.

  Such behavior may constitute a breach of contract.

• 3.

  The new law constitutes a special committee to review the cases.