constitution

constitution — noun

1. A set of basic rules and principles that define how a country, organization, or

1.名詞B2
釋義

A set of basic rules and principles that define how a country, organization, or group is governed and what rights its members have.

例句

Cyrus studied the nation's constitution before beginning his political career.

Adaeze argued that the new law violated the constitution of her country.

collocation: violate the constitution

同義詞
  • charter

    a formal written document that defines rights and privileges, often granted by a higher authority; narrower than constitution

  • fundamental law

    emphasises the legal status of the constitution as the highest source of law; more formal

  • basic law

    used when a full constitution has not yet been adopted, or in some systems as an alternative term; less common in everyday speech

反義詞
  • anarchy

    absence of governing rules or principles, the opposite of having a constitution

文法句型

the constitution of [country/organization]

[country]'s constitution

用法筆記

Often capitalized when referring to a specific national document — for example, the US Constitution. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense concerns governance and legal rights, not physical structure or makeup.

常見錯誤

❌They amended the constitution of the computer.
✅They updated the configuration of the computer.
💡'constitution' (sense 1) only applies to governance rules of states or organizations, not technical systems.
❌The Constitution of Russia is written on paper.
✅The constitution of Russia is a written document.
💡Capitalize only when referring to a specific country's document by name, e.g. 'the US Constitution.'

2. The physical condition of a person's body, especially how naturally strong, heal

2.名詞B2
釋義

The physical condition of a person's body, especially how naturally strong, healthy, or resilient it is.

例句

Otis has a strong constitution and rarely gets sick even in winter.

collocation: strong constitution

Years of poor eating habits had weakened Apinya's constitution by the time she turned forty.

collocation: weaken [possessive] constitution

同義詞
  • physique

    focuses on the shape, size, and muscular build of the body rather than overall health

  • health

    broader in meaning, including mental wellbeing; less formal and far more common in everyday language

文法句型

[possessive] + constitution

[adjective] + constitution

用法筆記

Typically preceded by a possessive (his, her, their) or a quality adjective (strong, weak, robust, poor). This sense is somewhat formal — in casual conversation, words like 'health' or 'fitness' are far more common.

常見錯誤

❌She has a good constitution of body.
✅She has a good constitution.
💡'constitution' already refers to the body; adding 'of body' is redundant.

3. The particular combination or arrangement of parts, elements, or ingredients tha

3.名詞C1
釋義

The particular combination or arrangement of parts, elements, or ingredients that form something and determine its nature.

例句

Christopher studied the chemical constitution of the soil before planting anything.

collocation: chemical constitution of [substance]

Andrei examined the constitution of the rock sample under a powerful microscope.

同義詞
  • composition

    more common and broadly applicable; preferred in everyday and scientific contexts

  • makeup

    informal; common in spoken English for describing what something consists of

  • structure

    emphasises the arrangement and organisation of parts, not just what they are

文法句型

the constitution of [something]

[adjective] constitution of [something]

用法筆記

Often followed by 'of' to specify what is being described. The modifying adjective typically names the kind of composition — chemical, genetic, social, political, molecular. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes the makeup of a thing, not the rules that govern a group.

常見錯誤

❌The constitution of this soup is delicious.
✅The composition of this soup is well balanced.
💡'constitution' describes structure or makeup, not flavour or quality.

4. The formal act or process of creating, setting up, or establishing an institutio

4.名詞C1
釋義

The formal act or process of creating, setting up, or establishing an institution, organization, or system.

例句

The constitution of the new government took place after the election results were announced.

formal register: constitution of [institution]

Matthew attended the ceremony for the constitution of the first student council.

同義詞
  • formation

    more general; can be used for both abstract and concrete things; less formal

  • establishment

    similar register but broader; used for institutions, systems, and also physical entities

反義詞
  • dissolution

    the formal ending or breaking up of an institution or organization

  • abolition

    the official ending of a system, practice, or institution

文法句型

the constitution of [institution/organization]

用法筆記

This sense is formal and appears mostly in historical, legal, or academic writing. It is very rare in everyday conversation — verbs like 'formation', 'creation', or 'establishment' are more natural in most contexts.