C17: from Latin constituēns setting up, from constituere to establish, constitute
constituent in American English
(kənˈstɪtʃuənt)
adjective
1.
necessary in forming or making up a whole; component
a constituent part
2.
that can or does appoint or vote for a representative
3.
authorized to make or revise a political constitution or establish a government
a constituent assembly
noun
4.
a person who appoints another to act as agent or representative
5.
a member of a constituency, esp. any of the voters represented by a particular official
6.
a necessary part or element; component
7.
an element of a word or construction (Ex.: in “they painted signs” the main elements they and painted signs are called immediate constituents; the further morphologically indivisible elements they, paint, -ed, sign, and -s are called ultimate constituents)
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈelement
Derived forms
constituently (conˈstituently)
adverb
Word origin
< L constituens, prp. of constituere: see constitute
Examples of 'constituent' in a sentence
constituent
But it is important that members have this opportunity to speak on the issues that matter to their constituents.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is therefore obvious that foreign economic relations are just one constituent of foreign relations.
Aganbegyan, Abel Inside Perestroika: The Future of the Soviet Economy (1990)
He said one of his constituents had been left stunned by the request.
The Sun (2014)
Focus on the constituent parts and the bigger picture will look after itself.
The Sun (2015)
And yet none of the constituent parts of his team fit together.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But also take the views of the fans who are the most important constituents of the club.
The Sun (2012)
The elections are for a constituent assembly which will write a new constitution.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
They would do their constituents, the country and their consciences a service by doingso.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But research shows at least 64 per cent of their constituents voted the other way.
The Sun (2016)
It is an important constituent of hormones including oestrogen, testosterone and the adrenal hormones.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Its constituent parts sometimes lack much in the way of structure or resolution, but are always lively and keenly observed.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The main reason for the small decline seems to be weakness in the price of one constituent of the the price index - furniture.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
A constituent assembly would be called to decide whether she would remain within or outside the Commonwealth.
Grenville, J. A. S. The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)
There is an increasing feeling that MPs say one thing to constituents and something else in Westminster.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Only one in ten constituents of London's leading index failed to make ground.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It serves millions of MPs' constituents across the country.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
His mind seems to be on one thing - and it's not the needs of his constituents.
The Sun (2016)
But political promises are dust, and her Kentish former constituents deserved cheering up in chill economic winds.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
One possible explanation for its efficacy is that it contains an acid which closely mirrors one of the constituent elements of DNA.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
I saw was a brilliant explanation of the way all science is in fine applicable to the universe and to all of its infinitely diverse constituent parts.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is also said to stabilise membranes and mast cells, two important constituents of the liver, as well as other organs.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This is there to protect the people of this country, our constituents, and the information they provide tous for redress of grievance.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Sonic All Stars does a great job of taking all the best constituent parts of a good karting racer and throwing out all the rubbish bits.
The Sun (2012)
This means the bacteria cannot digest the waste completely so, instead of just producing carbon dioxide they produce methane, the main constituent of natural gas.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In other languages
constituent
British English: constituent NOUN
A constituent is someone who lives in a particular constituency, especially someone who is able to vote in an election.
He told his constituents that he would continue to represent them to the best of his ability.
American English: constituent
Brazilian Portuguese: eleitor
Chinese: 选民
European Spanish: elector
French: électeur
German: Wähler
Italian: elettore
Japanese: 選挙区民
Korean: 선거구민
European Portuguese: eleitor
Latin American Spanish: elector
British English: constituent ADJECTIVE
The constituent parts of something are the things from which it is formed.
...a plan to split the company into its constituent parts and sell them separately.
American English: constituent
Brazilian Portuguese: constituinte
Chinese: 构成的
European Spanish: constituyente
French: constitutif
German: einzeln
Italian: costituente
Japanese: 構成する
Korean: 구성 요소의
European Portuguese: constituinte
Latin American Spanish: constituyente
1 (noun)
Definition
a person living in an MP's constituency
They plan to consult their constituents before taking action.
Synonyms
voter
elector
Each elector will be given one ballot paper.
member of the electorate
2 (noun)
Definition
a component part
Caffeine is the active constituent of drinks such as tea and coffee.
Synonyms
component
Enriched uranium is a key component of nuclear weapons.
element
one of the key elements of the UN's peace plan
ingredient
The meeting had all the ingredients of high drama.
part
The engine only has three moving parts.
unit
designed for teachers to plan a study unit on marine mammals
factor
Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining fitness.
principle
(adjective)
Definition
forming part of a whole
The fuel is dissolved in nitric acid and separated into its constituent parts.
Synonyms
component
Polish factories will be making component parts for the aircraft.
basic
Access to justice is a basic right.
essential
Two essential elements must be proven: motive and opportunity.
integral
Rituals form an integral part of any human society.
elemental
the elemental theory of music
Additional synonyms
in the sense of basic
Definition
of or forming a base or basis
Access to justice is a basic right.
Synonyms
fundamental,
main,
key,
essential,
primary,
vital,
principal,
constitutional,
cardinal,
inherent,
elementary,
indispensable,
innate,
intrinsic,
elemental,
immanent
in the sense of elector
Definition
someone who is eligible to vote in an election
Each elector will be given one ballot paper.
Synonyms
voter,
chooser,
selector,
constituent,
member of the electorate,
member of a constituency,
enfranchised person
in the sense of element
Definition
one of the fundamental components making up a whole