English Reference
Adverb

constitutionally

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US /ˌkɑnstəˈtuʃənəɫi/ UK /kˌɒnstɪtjˈuːʃənəli/ con·sti·tu·tion·al·ly

adv.in a way that relates to the official laws of a country or the natural health of a person. You use it to say if something is allowed by the government's rules or if it is part of someone's basic character.

adv.in a manner relating to a political constitution or an individual's physical or mental temperament. Often describes whether a law is legally valid or whether a trait is inherent to a person's nature.


SIMPLE

The new law was found to be constitutionally valid.

CONTEXTUAL

The court ruled that the police search was constitutionally sound because they had a valid warrant.

COMPLEX

Some people are constitutionally incapable of lying, not because of a moral choice, but because their natural temperament makes them feel physically ill when they are dishonest.

Usage

Can function as a sentence adverb to indicate a legal perspective or as a manner adverb modifying an adjective.

Involving itself in broadcast outlets’ editorial decisions and constitutionally protected speech is beyond the mandate of the FCC, which was established in 1934.

The Guardian· 30 Aug 2026

Fire also contacted the school district, explaining how their actions were constitutionally unsound.

The Guardian· 4 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated