constitute
To make up, form, or compose something; to be equivalent to.
Examples
In a meeting
“Remote workers now constitute over 40% of our workforce.”
Over coffee
“Does sending a thumbs-up emoji constitute a real response?”
Why this word
form
constitute emphasizes components combining to make a whole legally or formally, while form is more general
make up
constitute is formal and emphasizes essential composition, while make up is colloquial
comprise
constitute means to be the components of something, while comprise means to contain or include
Usage tip
Two key uses: 'what makes up a whole' (women constitute 60% of the team) and 'what counts as something' (this constitutes a breach of contract).
Etymology
Latin constituere — con (together) + statuere (to set up, establish)
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Related words
demarcate
To set the boundaries or limits of something
comprise
To consist of or be made up of specific parts
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.
alleviate
To make suffering, a problem, or a burden less severe.
circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or restriction.