# constitutional

/ˌkɑnstəˈtuʃənəɫ/ (US) · /kˌɒnstɪtjˈuːʃənəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/constitutional
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. legal/political

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the system of laws and principles that a country or group is governed by.

For teachers: relating to the established set of principles or laws that govern a state or organisation.

- The supreme court must decide if the new law is constitutional.
- The proposed amendment triggered a constitutional crisis, as it appeared to bypass the traditional separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.

### 2. inherent/natural

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

part of someone's natural physical or mental character.

For teachers: inherent in the physical or mental makeup of an individual.

- He has a constitutional weakness in his lungs that makes him cough often.
- Her constitutional optimism allowed her to remain composed even when the project faced significant setbacks.

### 3. a walk for health

noun · CEFR C1 · Humorous · Formal

a walk that you take regularly to stay healthy.

For teachers: a walk taken specifically for the benefit of one's health or physical constitution.

- After a heavy lunch, he decided to take a quick constitutional around the park.
- The elderly professor was known for taking a brisk daily constitutional, regardless of the weather conditions.

Usage: Usually used with the verb 'take'.

Teaching tip: This is often used today in a slightly joking way by people who want to sound old-fashioned or very formal.

## Examples

- He takes a brisk constitutional every morning before breakfast.
- After a heavy Sunday lunch, the whole family went for a short constitutional around the local park.
- The elderly professor was a creature of habit, never failing to complete his daily constitutional regardless of the biting wind or torrential rain.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.