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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Constitution: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：fundamental law (constitution)

constitution 🔊

/ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n/

The most important laws of a country that set out how it is run and the rights of its people.

Constitution book meaning: hands pointing to text in a historic legal document.

fundamental law 🔊

➕

/ˌfʌndəˈment(ə)l lɔː/

The supreme legal document of a state that establishes its government framework, defines its principles, and guarantees the rights of its citizens.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'constitutio' (act of establishing), from 'constituere' (to set up, establish).

💡 Mnemonic

A nation's CONstitution is what it's CONstructed upon.

📖 Example

After the revolution, the country adopted a new constitution that guaranteed freedom of speech for all citizens. 🔊 The nation's foundational legal charter was updated to enshrine the right to free expression.

🔗 Collocations

adopt a constitution – to formally approve and enact a constitution

amend the constitution – to make a formal change to the constitution

constitutional rights – rights that are guaranteed by the constitution

🔄 Synonyms

charter (n.) – A written grant or fundamental document outlining rights and principles.

code (n.) – A systematic collection of laws or regulations.

statute (n.) – A written law passed by a legislative body.

🚫 Antonyms

anarchy (n.) – A state of disorder due to the absence of a governing system or laws.

lawlessness (n.) – A state of having no laws or disregarding them.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin via French, 'constitution' originally meant 'establishment.' Its legal meaning was solidified in the 18th century with documents like the U.S. Constitution, becoming the supreme law defining government structure and rights.

Meaning 2：physical health (constitution)

constitution 🔊

/ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n/

The general condition of a person's body and health, especially how strong they are naturally.

Physical constitution meaning: healthy person jogging energetically in a park.

physical health 🔊

➕

/ˈfɪzɪk(ə)l helθ/

The inherent or natural physical makeup and strength of a person's body, determining their health, vitality, and resilience.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My grandfather has a remarkably strong constitution for his age and recovers from colds very quickly. 🔊 His inherent physical robustness allows him to bounce back from illnesses swiftly.

🔗 Collocations

strong constitution – having a naturally robust and healthy physical state

weak constitution – having a naturally frail or delicate physical state

hereditary constitution – physical makeup inherited from one's ancestors

🔄 Synonyms

health (n.) – The state of being free from illness or injury.

physique (n.) – The form, size, and development of a person's body.

makeup (n.) – The composition or structure of something, especially a person's physical nature.

🚫 Antonyms

frailty (n.) – The condition of being weak and delicate.

infirmity (n.) – Physical or mental weakness, especially due to age.