Word
constitutive
Phoneticscon·sti·tu·tive, stress on the second syllable
/ˌkɑnˈstɪtuˌtɪv/
Definition
adj. forming a basic and necessary part of something. Without this part, the thing would not be what it is.
adj. forming an essential part of something's identity or structure, such that removal would alter its nature. Often contrasted with merely regulative or accidental features.
Examples
“Trust is constitutive of any strong friendship.”
“Respect for deadlines is constitutive of professional life in the newsroom, where every role depends on timing.”
“Philosophers argue that shared language is constitutive of human thought itself, not merely a tool for expressing ideas already formed.”
Examples
simple
“Trust is constitutive of any strong friendship.”
contextual
“Respect for deadlines is constitutive of professional life in the newsroom, where every role depends on timing.”
complex
“Philosophers argue that shared language is constitutive of human thought itself, not merely a tool for expressing ideas already formed.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “constitutive” in context.
Verb
01. consider constitutive
“Scholars consider language constitutive of social reality.”
verb + adj
02. constitutive of identity
“Shared memory is constitutive of national identity.”
adj + prep + noun
03. constitutive of meaning
“Context is constitutive of linguistic meaning.”
adj + prep + noun
04. constitutive of reality
“Social practices are constitutive of everyday reality.”
adj + prep + noun
05. define as constitutive
“They define these rules as constitutive of the game itself.”
verb + prep + adj
Adjective
06. essentially constitutive
“Trust is essentially constitutive of any stable democracy.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. constitutive element
“Participation is a constitutive element of democratic citizenship.”
adj + noun
08. constitutive feature
“Uncertainty is a constitutive feature of scientific inquiry.”
adj + noun
09. constitutive principle
“Equality is a constitutive principle of the legal system.”
adj + noun
10. constitutive rule
“The offside law is a constitutive rule of football.”
adj + noun
11. are mutually constitutive
“Culture and the economy are mutually constitutive.”
12. constitutive element of democracy
“A free press is a constitutive element of democracy.”
Usage
Typically followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase ('constitutive of').
Etymology
From constitute + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/constitutive