Words / B2

konst-i-TYOOSHUN/ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃn/

A constitution is a country’s basic law: the written constitution, unconstitutional. Charter (already in the dictionary) is a document of rights for a body; law is everyday and wider. Constitution is also a person’s physical health (a strong constitution). In speech, the country’s basic rules / someone’s health covers the two senses. Do not use constitution for a school behaviour poster, and keep the legal and health senses apart.

Meaning

The basic laws of a country; also a person’s physical health and strength.

Examples

• “Freedom of speech is protected by the constitution.”
• “Amendments to the constitution need a supermajority, not a show of hands.”
• “A winter swim is a test of constitution, which is the health sense, not the legal one.”

Good to know

A country’s basic law; also physical health. Everyday: basic rules / someone’s health. Contrast: charter (a body’s rights document).

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