constitute

views updated May 23 2018

con·sti·tute / ˈkänstəˌt(y)oōt/ • v. [tr.] 1. be (a part) of a whole: single parents constitute a great proportion of the poor. ∎  (of people or things) combine to form (a whole): there were enough members present to constitute a quorum. ∎  be or be equivalent to (something): his failure to act constituted a breach of duty.2. (usu. be constituted) give legal or constitutional form to (an institution); establish by law.

constitute

views updated May 11 2018

constitute set up, establish XV; make up, form XVI. f. L. constitūt-, pp. of constituere establish, appoint, f. CON- (intensive) + statuere set up (see STATUTE).
So constitution decree, ordinance XIV; nature, disposition XVI; mode or principles of state organization XVII. — (O)F. — L. Hence constitutional XVII. constitutive constructive XVI; formative, component XVII.

Constitute

views updated May 11 2018

CONSTITUTE

To comprise or put together. That which is duly constituted is properly made up and formally correct and valid.

Constituted authorities are officers who are properly appointed under constitutional provision to govern the people.

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constitute

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