constitutionally

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

adverb

1. in respect to physical makeup:

   He is constitutionally fitted for heavy labor.

2. in respect to mental or emotional makeup:

   constitutionally unable to speak before an audience.

3. with respect to a constitution:

   constitutionally invalid law.

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitutionally¹

First recorded in 1735–45; constitutional + -ly

Example Sentences

Both of those states now have constitutionally guaranteed rights to abortion up to the point of viability.

From Los Angeles Times

Though they recognized the antebellum nation as configured in such a way that militated against their social advancement, Hosea Easton, for example, claimed that Black people were “constitutionally Americans.”

From Salon

The British government has argued that the refugee convention is not in force on Biot because it is "constitutionally distinct" from the UK, though it is administered from the Foreign Office in London.

From BBC

TikTok users engage in constitutionally protected speech on the app, and that banning it is an inadequate way to protect Americans’ privacy, according to a previously classified transcript.

From Salon

Claiming credit for the new atmosphere is the autocratic president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, who assumed a constitutionally suspect second term in office in June.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• genetically
• intrinsically
• naturally