Constitute and Its Established Cousins

Constitute and Its Established Cousins â€Å"Constitute† and Its Established Cousins â€Å"Constitute† and Its Established Cousins By Mark Nichol This post lists and defines a small family of words derived from a Latin verb meaning â€Å"set† that share the element -stitute. Statuere, stemming from the Latin verb stare, meaning â€Å"stand,† alludes to establishment or causing to stand. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s also the forebear of statute and statue, but words that include -stitute are also descended from statuere. To constitute (literally, â€Å"set with†) is to compose, form, or make up, or to enact or establish. Constitution is the act of doing so, and a constitution is a body of laws and principles for an entity such as an organization or a government, or the document setting them forth. That term also refers to the makeup of an entity, including an individual, or to a custom or law or to the mode of organization for a society or a state. The adjective constitutional applies to all senses, and in that form the word also serves as a noun referring to a walk one takes for fitness. Destitute (â€Å"set away†) means â€Å"lacking,† usually in the context of personal wealth; the state of lack is called destitution. To institute (â€Å"set in†) is to establish, inaugurate, or organize, and an institute is an entity organized for a purpose, such as instruction, or promotion of a cause. Institution is the act of establishment, and an institution is a facility or organization, or a significant component or practice. Restitute (â€Å"reset†) is a rare verb meaning â€Å"give back† or â€Å"restore,† but the noun form, meaning â€Å"act of making good or restoring† (usually in a financial context), is common. The legal term â€Å"restitutio in integrum† (â€Å"total reinstatement†) refers to restoration to a previous state, and a restitutionist is one who believes in religious doctrine based on ultimate restoration to a pristine state. To prostitute (â€Å"stand before†) is to offer oneself, sexually or otherwise, for monetary gain; the act or practice is prostitution. Substitute (â€Å"set under†) means â€Å"put in place of another,† and as a noun or adjective refers to someone or something that serves in place of another.† The act of doing so is substitution. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:30 Religious Terms You Should Know"Confused With" and "Confused About"Wood vs. Wooden