constitutive

IPA/kənˈstɪtjutɪv/
KK[kˌɑnstˈɪtutˌɪv]IPA/ˈkɑːnstɪtuːtɪv/

constitutive — adjective

  • constitutivepositive
  • more constitutivecomparative
  • most constitutivesuperlative

1. describing something that is a basic and necessary part of a larger whole, witho

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing something that is a basic and necessary part of a larger whole, without which the whole would not be complete or have its full character.

例句

Trust is a constitutive element of any healthy romantic relationship.

constitutive + element of + abstract noun

The researchers identified three constitutive features that all successful democracies share.

constitutive + features of + plural noun

同義詞
  • constituent

    more neutral and slightly less formal; the main alternative in both academic and technical writing

  • essential

    much more common; emphasizes necessity rather than the structural role of forming a part

  • integral

    stresses that the part is necessary for the whole to function properly

反義詞
  • incidental

    describes something that is not a necessary part of the whole

  • optional

    describes something that can be added or omitted without affecting the core structure

文法句型

constitutive + noun

be constitutive of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Typically used before a noun in formal or academic writing. In everyday conversation, simpler words like basic, essential, or core are preferred.

常見錯誤

❌The constitutive reason I love this city is the food.
✅The essential reason I love this city is the food.
💡'constitutive' describes an element that actually forms part of something, not a personal reason or preference.
❌This chapter is constitutive to understanding the plot.
✅This chapter is essential to understanding the plot.
💡'constitutive' describes what something is made of, not what is necessary for understanding it.

2. referring to the authority or capacity to bring something into being, such as a

2.形容詞C2
釋義

referring to the authority or capacity to bring something into being, such as a law, institution, or organization, by establishing its fundamental structure or rules.

例句

The Supreme Court issued a constitutive ruling that defined the limits of executive power.

constitutive + ruling (legally defining decision)

The treaty served as the constitutive document for the new international organisation.

constitutive + document for + institution

同義詞
  • foundational

    broader and more common; emphasises the base upon which something is built

  • establishing

    more direct but less formal; used in legal phrases such as 'establishing treaty'

  • formative

    stresses the shaping influence rather than the formal act of creation

反義詞
  • derivative

    describes authority or rules that come from a higher source rather than creating a new system

  • subsidiary

    describes something that operates within an existing framework rather than establishing one

文法句型

constitutive + noun (document, act, charter, ruling)

constitutive + noun + of + institution

用法筆記

Almost exclusively used in legal, political, and organisational contexts. Distinguish from constitutional — 'constitutional' refers specifically to a constitution, while 'constitutive' has the broader meaning of establishing any system or institution.

常見錯誤

❌The manager has constitutive authority to fire employees.
✅The board of directors has constitutive authority to amend the company charter.
💡'constitutive' describes authority that creates or defines a system, not routine managerial power.
❌Constitutive democracy is the best form of government.
✅A constitutive framework of democratic institutions is necessary for good governance.
💡'constitutive' modifies documents, acts, or principles, not the system itself.