3 syllables: con, sti, tute. Stress on con.
KAHN-stuh-toot
/ˈkɑnstəˌtut/
constitute is pronounced KAHN-stuh-toot (/ˈkɑnstəˌtut/). It has three syllables (con-sti-tute), with the stress on "con". Constitute means to be or form something; to make up or compose a whole from its parts. It also refers to establishing by authority or law. In context, it describes what things constitute a group or what actions constitute a violation, functioning as a formal verb often used in academic or legal discourse.
Constitute means to be or form something; to make up or compose a whole from its parts. It also refers to establishing by authority or law. In context, it describes what things constitute a group or what actions constitute a violation, functioning as a formal verb often used in academic or legal discourse.
"The committee will constitute a panel to review the proposal."
"A lack of evidence does not constitute proof of innocence."
"These events constitute a serious breach of policy."
Pronounce as kən-STI-tute with primary stress on the second syllable. IPA US/UK/AU: kənˈstɪt.juːt. The mouth starts with a lax schwa in ‘con-’, then a short high front vowel in ‘sti-’, and finishes with a long ‘ute’ = /juːt/. Pay attention to the /tʃ/ sound? Not here—it's a crisp /t/ before /juːt/. Audio references: you can compare with Cambridge or Oxford dictionaries for native samples.
Common errors: 1) Stress on the first syllable (con-STI-tute). Correct by keeping primary stress on the second syllable; 2) Slurring the /t/ before /juːt/, producing /tjuː/ or a soft /d/; keep a clean /t/ followed by /juː/; 3) Using a short /u/ in the final syllable instead of /juːt/ — ensure you glide to /juː/ and end with a clear /t/.
In US/UK/AU, the core vowel in 'sti' is roughly /ɪ/; rhotics add no r-coloring in non-rhotic accents like some forms of UK English but US is rhotic in most varieties. AU tends to be non-rhotic but with a stronger final /t/. The primary stress remains on the second syllable in all three; the final /ˈjuːt/ segment is consistent, with slight vowel length differences. Overall, the main variation is in the vowel qualities of /ɪ/ and the approach to fluency rather than the core stress.
The difficulty hinges on the sequence /ˈstɪt.juː/ where the alveolar /t/ meets /j/ and the final /ːjuːt/ requires a smooth glide into a long vowel. Learners often misplace stress, substitute a d-like sound for /t/, or mispronounce the final /juːt/ as /ju/ or /t/. Focus on the clean stop before the glide and keep the /ɪ/ shorter than a full /iː/. IPA reminders: kənˈstɪt.juːt.
A distinctive feature is the /ˌstɪ/ cluster where the /s/ and /t/ align before a short /ɪ/. Many learners mispronounce by reducing /st/ or blending into /sɪt/; maintain the taut /st/ to lead into the /ɪ/ vowel, then clearly release into /tjuːt/. Also watch final /t/; ensure it’s a crisp aspirated /t/ rather than a flap or silent. IPA cue: /kənˈstɪt.juːt/.
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Constitute comes from the Latin constituere, composed of con- (together) and statuere (to set, to place, to establish). The form entered English via Old French as constitute and Early Modern English in the 15th century. The core sense moved from “to place together, arrange” to “to form or compose by forming into a whole” and later acquired legal and formal nuances meaning to establish or enact.”,
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "constitute" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "constitute" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "constitute"
-ute sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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