constitutive
/'kɔnstitju:tiv/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Forming a necessary or essential part of something; having the power to establish or give organized existence to something. This describes something that is fundamental to the nature or existence of a whole, often serving as a basic, constituent element.
- Relating to the fundamental nature or constitution of something. This meaning emphasizes the foundational, defining characteristics of an entity.
Usage and Examples
- As an adjective modifying a noun:
- Freedom of speech is a constitutive element of a democratic society. (It is a fundamental, defining part.)
- The researchers studied the constitutive proteins that form the cell's structure. (These are the essential, building-block proteins.)
- The treaty served as the constitutive document for the new international organization. (It had the power to formally establish the organization.)
Advanced Usage
- In philosophy and social theory: Used to describe a fundamental principle or rule that actively shapes and defines a system or entity.
- Language is constitutive of social reality. (Language plays an essential role in creating and defining social reality.)
- In biology and chemistry: Describing components that are integral to the structure and function of a larger system.
- The study focused on the constitutive expression of the gene. (Referring to the gene's constant, unregulated activity as a basic feature.)
Variants and Related Words
- Constitute (verb): To be the parts that form something; to formally establish or found.
- Twelve months constitute a year.
- Constitution (noun): The basic principles and laws of a nation or organization; the physical makeup of an individual.
- The U.S. Constitution; a person with a strong constitution.
- Constituent (noun/adjective): A component part; serving to form or make up a whole.
- Analyze the chemical constituents; a constituent assembly.
Synonyms
- Essential: Absolutely necessary; extremely important.
- Integral: Necessary to make a whole complete; fundamental.
- Formative: Serving to form something, especially having a profound influence on development.
- Fundamental: Forming a necessary base or core.
Antonyms
- Incidental: Occurring as a minor consequence or accompaniment; not essential.
- Peripheral: Relating to or situated on the edge; of secondary importance.
- Supplementary: Added to complete or enhance something; extra.
Adjective
- constitutional in the structure of something (especially your physical makeup)