constitute

UK: /ˈkɒn.stɪ.tʃuːt/ | US: /ˈkɑːn.stə.tuːt/

Definition
  1. vt. to form or compose a whole by combining parts

  2. vt. to establish or give legal authority to something

  3. vt. to be equivalent to or represent something

Structure
con <together>stitute <stand>
Etymology

constitute = con<together> + stitute<stand>

  • con (prefix): From Latin cum, meaning "together" or "with."
  • stitute (root): From Latin statuere (to set up, stand), derived from stare (to stand).

Etymology Origin:
The word "constitute" originates from Latin constituere, combining con- (together) and statuere (to set up). It reflects the idea of "standing together" to form or establish something, whether a physical structure (e.g., parts constituting a whole) or an abstract system (e.g., laws constituting a government). Over time, it evolved to emphasize composition, authority, and representation in English.

Examples
  1. Twelve states constitute the original membership of the organization.

  2. These findings constitute a major breakthrough in the field.

  3. The committee was constituted to address the issue.

  4. His actions constitute a violation of the agreement.

  5. Water constitutes about 60% of the human body.