constitute

/ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/verb

To be the parts or members that together make up a whole.

Example sentences

“Women constitute more than half of the company's staff.”
“Fruit and vegetables should constitute most of your daily diet.”
“Eleven players constitute a soccer team on the field.”

Formal; often used with fractions and percentages. In legal language it also means 'to count as', as in 'constitute a crime'.

Synonyms for constitute

make up
form
compose
account for

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words

constrictTo make something narrower or tighter, especially by squeezing.conspireTo plan something secretly with other people, usually something harmful or against the law.consulateThe position held by a consul, or the building where a consul works.conspicuousStanding out and easily seen; attracting attention.consumerA person who buys goods or services for their own use.consolidateTo merge separate things into one stronger or more organized whole.