CONSTITUTE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does constitute mean? 

• CONSTITUTE (verb)
  The verb CONSTITUTE has 4 senses:

1. form or compose

2. create and charge with a task or function

3. to compose or represent

4. set up or lay the groundwork for

  Familiarity information: CONSTITUTE used as a verb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CONSTITUTE (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they constitute    ... he / she / it constitutes   
Past simple: constituted   
Past participle: constituted   
-ing form: constituting   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Form or compose

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Synonyms:

be; comprise; constitute; make up; represent

Context example:

These few men comprise his entire army

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "constitute"):

make (constitute the essence of)

compose (form the substance of)

constitute; form; make (to compose or represent)

range; straddle (range or extend over; occupy a certain area)

fall into; fall under (be included in or classified as)

pose; present (introduce)

supplement (serve as a supplement to)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Derivation:

constituent (constitutional in the structure of something (especially your physical makeup))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Create and charge with a task or function

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Synonyms:

appoint; constitute; name; nominate

Context example:

nominate a committee

Hypernyms (to "constitute" is one way to...):

constitute; establish; found; institute; plant (set up or lay the groundwork for)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "constitute"):

pack (set up a committee or legislative body with one's own supporters so as to influence the outcome)

co-opt (appoint summarily or commandeer)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Sense 3

Meaning:

To compose or represent

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Synonyms:

constitute; form; make

Context example:

This makes a fine introduction

Hypernyms (to "constitute" is one way to...):

be; comprise; constitute; make up; represent (form or compose)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "constitute"):

chelate (form a chelate, in chemistry)

add (constitute an addition)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

Derivation:

constituent (an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system)

constitution (the way in which someone or something is composed)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Set up or lay the groundwork for

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Synonyms:

constitute; establish; found; institute; plant

Context example:

establish a new department

Hypernyms (to "constitute" is one way to...):

initiate; pioneer (take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "constitute"):

fix (set or place definitely)

appoint; constitute; name; nominate (create and charge with a task or function)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

constitution (the act of forming or establishing something)

 Context examples 

A neuroblastic tumor characterized by the presence of a ganglioneuroblastoma component and the formation of Schwannian stroma which constitutes more than fifty-percent of the tumor volume.

(Composite Ganglioneuroblastoma, Schwannian Stroma-Rich and Stroma-Poor, NCI Thesaurus)

A group delegated to consider some matter; a self-constituted organization to promote something.

(Committee, NCI Thesaurus)

The malignant glandular cells with intracytoplasmic mucin constitute more than 50% of the malignant cellular infiltrate.

(Colorectal Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)

The signet ring cells constitute more than 50% of the malignant cells.

(Colon Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)

The lamellated connective tissue constituting the thickest layer of the cornea between the Bowman and Descemet membranes.

(Corneal Stroma, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

That which constitutes a standard from which a judgment can be established, a reference point against which other things can be evaluated, or a basis for comparison.

(Criterion, NCI Thesaurus)

A neuroblastoma in which the differentiating neuroblasts constitute more than five-percent of the tumor cells.

(Differentiating Neuroblastoma, NCI Thesaurus)

An event or sequence of events that constitute a round or succession of observable phenomena, recurring usually at regular or approximately regular time intervals and in the same sequence.

(Cycle, NCI Thesaurus)

A connected set of points constituting a one-dimensional continuum.

(Curve, NCI Thesaurus)

Mucin constitutes more than 50% of the lesion.

(Colon Mucinous Adenocarcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)