constitutionally

Everyday

1. (law, politics) In a way that follows or is allowed by a country's constitution (its main set of laws and rules). tree →
2. In a way that comes from someone's natural body or character («constitutionally unable to sit still»). tree →

In the lessons

In history and citizenship lessons, a law can be «constitutionally» allowed or not; in the USA the Supreme Court decides if laws are constitutional. In everyday writing, it can jokingly describe someone's nature: «He is constitutionally unable to be on time.» It tells the reader something is about the constitution or about a person's nature.

Examples

• The President was constitutionally elected. tree →
• The court decided the law was not constitutionally valid. tree →
• Ireland's constitution can only be changed by a vote of the people. tree →
• The new rule was constitutionally questioned. tree →
• My brother is constitutionally unable to keep his room tidy. tree →
• Some people are constitutionally strong and rarely get ill. tree →

Note

Adverb from «constitutional» from «constitution». Long word: con-sti-TOO-shun-ul-ee. The UK has no single written constitution, unlike the USA, Ireland, Canada and Australia.