constituent

[ kuhn-stich-oo-uhnt ]

adjective

1. serving to compose or make up a thing; component:

   the constituent parts of a motor.

2. having power to frame or alter a political constitution or fundamental law, as distinguished from lawmaking power:

   a constituent assembly.

noun

1. an element, material, etc. that is part of something else; component.
2. a person who authorizes another to act on their behalf, such as a voter in a district represented by an elected official.
3. Grammar. an element considered as part of a construction. Compare immediate constituent, ultimate constituent.

constituent

/ kənˈstɪtjʊənt /

adjective

1. forming part of a whole; component
2. having the power to frame a constitution or to constitute a government (esp in the phrases constituent assembly, constituent power )
3. rare.
   electing or having the power to elect

noun

1. a component part; ingredient
2. a resident of a constituency, esp one entitled to vote
3. law a person who appoints another to act for him, as by power of attorney
4. linguistics a word, phrase, or clause forming a part of a larger construction Compare immediate constituent ultimate constituent

Derived Forms

• conˈstituently, adverb

Other Words From

• con·stitu·ent·ly adverb
• noncon·stitu·ent adjective noun
• precon·stitu·ent noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of constituent¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin constituent- (stem of constituēns, present participle of constituere “to set up, found, constitute),” equivalent to con- con- + -stitu- (combining form of statuere “to set up”) + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of constituent¹

C17: from Latin constituēns setting up, from constituere to establish, constitute

Synonym Study

See element.

Example Sentences

The SNP MP told Politics Scotland "it is possible to do both jobs" if the "bulk" of constituents being represented were the same in both parliaments.

From BBC

He disparaged a colleague’s Black son as a prop carried like a Louis Vuitton handbag, suggested Black people have too much political power and made other demeaning remarks about activists and constituents.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the resolution’s backers, City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, said his own family members, constituents in his Eastside district and immigrant rights groups are all feeling “absolutely nervous.”

From Los Angeles Times

Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who represents South Carolina in the House of Representatives, tweeted that her office is "diligently gathering all relevant information to keep our constituents informed regarding the recent escape of primates".

From BBC

Alliance leader Naomi Long described her as a "great friend" and paid tribute to her "dedication and passion for serving her constituents" in Belfast.

From BBC