# constitutionally

/ˌkɑnstəˈtuʃənəɫi/ (US) · /kˌɒnstɪtjˈuːʃənəli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/constitutionally
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The new law was found to be constitutionally valid.
- The court ruled that the police search was constitutionally sound because they had a valid warrant.
- 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 notes

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

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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.