Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to or inherent in the physical or mental structure of a person or thing: Refers to something that is part of the fundamental nature or makeup of an entity.
   • Established by or operating under a constitution: Pertaining to the system of fundamental principles and rules that govern a state or organization.
   • Beneficial to one's physical health or constitution: Describes something that contributes to the overall health and strength of the body.

2. Noun:

   • A walk taken for one's health: A regular, often leisurely walk, especially one taken for exercise or to maintain good health.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • His optimism is a constitutional trait; he's been that way since childhood.
  • Freedom of speech is a constitutional right in many democracies.
  • She believes a morning walk is constitutional for maintaining good health.

• Noun:

  • After lunch, he takes his daily constitutional around the park.

Advanced Usage

• "Constitutional monarchy": A system of government where a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a written or unwritten constitution.

  • The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy.

• "Constitutional crisis": A situation where a major conflict arises over the interpretation or application of a constitution, threatening the stability of the government.

  • The dispute over the election results led to a constitutional crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Constitution (n): The basic physical and mental structure of a person; or the system of fundamental principles according to which a state is governed.

  • The country adopted a new constitution after the revolution.
  • She has a strong constitution and rarely gets sick.

• Constitutionally (adv): In a way that relates to or is in accordance with a constitution; or by inherent nature.

  • The law was constitutionally sound.
  • He is constitutionally incapable of dishonesty.

• Unconstitutional (adj): Not in accordance with or permitted by a constitution.

  • The court ruled the new tax law was unconstitutional.

Synonyms

• Adjective (inherent): Inborn, intrinsic, innate, essential.
• Adjective (legal/governmental): Charter, statutory, fundamental.
• Noun (walk): Stroll, promenade, perambulation.

Related Phrases

• "A constitutional right": A right that is guaranteed by a constitution.

  • Voting is considered a fundamental constitutional right.

• "Of constitutional importance": Of great significance to the fundamental governing principles of a state.

  • The case was of constitutional importance and was heard by the supreme court.

Idioms

• "Take a constitutional": To go for a walk, especially for one's health. (This idiom directly uses the noun form).
  • Grandpa likes to take a constitutional every evening before dinner.

Adjective

1. constitutional in the structure of something (especially your physical makeup)
2. existing as an essential constituent or characteristic
   • the Ptolemaic system with its built-in concept of periodicity
   • a constitutional inability to tell the truth
3. sanctioned by or consistent with or operating under the law determining the fundamental political principles of a government
   • the constitutional right of free speech
   • constitutional government
   • constitutional guarantees
4. of benefit to or intended to benefit your physical makeup
   • constitutional walk

Noun

1. a regular walk taken as a form of exercise