constructionist

[ kuhn-struhk-shuh-nist ]

noun

1. a person who construes or interprets, especially laws or the like, in a specific manner:

   a strict constructionist.

constructionist

/ kənˈstrʌkʃənɪst /

noun

1. a person who interprets constitutional law in a certain way, esp strictly

Other Words From

• con·struction·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of constructionist¹

First recorded in 1835–45; construction + -ist

Example Sentences

Even a liberal constructionist might have hesitated as to its constitutionality.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a Unionist, there is a strict constructionist for you!

From Project Gutenberg

Over thirty years before, he had in Congress been a strict constructionist and an anti-federalist.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Crawford, a most inveterate States-rights man and strict constructionist of the Constitution, had uniformly supported it.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, I am a strict constructionist, and the order says no person is allowed here except those connected with the Department.

From Project Gutenberg