constitutional

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl, -tyoo-]

adjective

1. of or relating to the constitution of a state, organization, etc.

2. subject to the provisions of such a constitution.

   a constitutional monarchy.

3. provided by, in accordance with, or not prohibited by, such a constitution.

   the constitutional powers of the president; a law held to be constitutional by the Supreme Court.

4. belonging to or inherent in the character or makeup of a person's body or mind.

   a constitutional weakness for sweets.

5. pertaining to the constitution or composition of a thing; essential.

6. beneficial to one's constitution; healthful.

   constitutional exercise.

noun

1. a walk or other mild exercise taken for the benefit of one's health.

constitutional

/ ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl /

adjective

1. denoting, characteristic of, or relating to a constitution

2. authorized by or subject to a constitution

3. of or inherent in the physical make-up or basic nature of a person or thing

   a constitutional weakness

4. beneficial to one's general physical wellbeing

noun

1. a regular walk taken for the benefit of one's health

Other Word Forms

• constitutionally adverb
• anticonstitutional adjective
• anticonstitutionally adverb
• hyperconstitutional adjective
• hyperconstitutionally adverb
• nonconstitutional adjective
• proconstitutional adjective
• quasi-constitutional adjective
• quasi-constitutionally adverb
• superconstitutional adjective
• superconstitutionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitutional¹

First recorded in 1675–85; constitution + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who belongs to Thailand's most powerful political dynasty, was removed by the constitutional court last week for ethical violations over her handling of the border dispute with Cambodia.

From BBC

Unionist politicians remain opposed to it and have long argued that the arrangements leave Northern Ireland's constitutional position within the UK weakened.

From BBC

“Harvard does not have a constitutional right to taxpayer dollars and remains ineligible for grants in the future.”

From Salon

Warner, for his part, vowed not to be deterred: “Let me be clear: I will never be deterred from carrying out my constitutional responsibilities.”

From Salon

“Yet, the constitutional role of the Senate is vital regarding the appointment of U.S. Attorneys.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• democratic 
• lawful 
• legal 
• statutory