constituir
Lemma Details
Translation: to constitute; to establish; to form; to make up; to set up; to found
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'constituere', which combines 'com-' (together) and 'statuere' (to set up, place). The English cognate 'constitute' shares this same Latin root. The core idea is about establishing or setting something up by bringing elements together. This connection to 'standing together' (from Latin 'stare' - to stand) helps understand why the verb relates to formation and establishment.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los cinco miembros constituyen el comité.
The five members constitute the committee.
Vamos a constituir una nueva empresa.
We are going to establish a new company.
El agua constituye gran parte del cuerpo humano.
Water makes up a large part of the human body.
La reunión se constituyó a las diez de la mañana.
The meeting was formed at ten in the morning.
Estos hechos constituyen una violación de la ley.
These facts constitute a violation of the law.
Mnemonics
- Think 'con-STIT-uir' sounds like 'constitute' - both about establishing something
- Visualize building blocks coming together to 'constitute' a structure
- Remember 'con' (with) + 'stit' (stand) - things standing together to form something
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in political, legal, and organizational contexts. 'La Constitución' (The Constitution) is a fundamental document in Spanish-speaking countries, and the verb 'constituir' is often used when discussing the formation of governments, organizations, or legal entities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'constituir' means 'to constitute' or 'to establish', 'construir' means 'to build' or 'to construct' in a more physical sense.
Confused word:
Los trabajadores construyen un edificio nuevo.
The workers are building a new building.
Notes: Both verbs relate to formation, but 'constituir' is more about establishing or forming organizations, rules, or abstract entities, while 'construir' typically refers to physical construction.
Mnemonic: 'Constituir' has a 't' like 'constitute', while 'construir' has an 'r' like 'construct'.
Explanation: 'Constituir' is about establishing or forming something, while 'instituir' is more specifically about instituting or establishing a practice, custom, or law.
Confused word:
El gobierno instituyó un nuevo feriado nacional.
The government instituted a new national holiday.
Notes: Both verbs relate to establishment, but 'instituir' has a narrower focus on establishing practices or customs.
Mnemonic: 'Constituir' starts with 'con-' (together), suggesting bringing elements together, while 'instituir' starts with 'in-' suggesting putting something in place.